State Takeover of Providence Schools Begins—5 Things to Know
GoLocalProv News Team
State Takeover of Providence Schools Begins—5 Things to Know
SLIDES: Five Things to Know About State Takeover of Providence Schools BELOW
“Today is the start of a new chapter for Providence schools and the students and families we serve,” said RIDE Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “It will take all of us working together to develop and implement a meaningful, sustainable plan for transformational change in our schools."
"We will remain engaged with the community every step of the way, and we will work with our teachers and staff to ensure they are empowered to help lead the way. The stakes are high and so are our aspirations for Providence students. Together, we can and will achieve great things," she added.
As the search for a State Turnaround Superintendent continues, day-to-day district operations are under the direction of Superintendent Dr. Fran Gallo, who now reports to Commissioner Infante-Green.
“Providence students deserve the best, and all of Rhode Island will benefit from the work we do here,” Commissioner Infante-Green added. “With the full support of the state and city leaders, students, educators, and families, I have no doubt that we can make great strides in creating a school system that will be the envy of the entire nation. Let’s get to work.”
State Takeover of Providence Schools Begins -- 5 Things to Know
New Website
A new website had been launched by RIDE to keep families informed.
"A new website, www.4PVDKids.com, is now live and will be continuously updated as a family-friendly hub for activities related to the transformation of PPSD," said RIDE.
"It contains a welcome from the Commissioner and a list of ways that community members can stay informed and get involved."
PHOTO: Screenshot of website
New "Teams"
On Friday, RIDE announced a new "Community Design Team" process, which they said will be a "driving force" in the development of the long-term Turnaround Plan.
The Community Design Teams, which will include and be led by members of the Providence community - including parents, educators, and community leaders – will generate ideas and initiatives embedded in the five-year plan.
There will be three Community Design Teams, each focused on a different priority area: World Class Talent; Excellence in Learning; and Engaged Communities.
PHOTO: Reynaldo Almonte
Selection Process Begins
Information on the design team process and how to nominate community members to serve on the teams is available on the 4PVDKids website.
Nominations open today, with final selections set to be announced in early December, according to RIDE.
Once the teams are announced, they will work over a 100-day period to support development of the Turnaround Plan.
More Ways to Get Involved
Community Advisory Boards: Under Rhode Island’s ESSA State Plan, CABs are required for federally identified low-performing schools. Providence currently has three CABs broken down by grade level – elementary, middle, and high school – and those groups started last year under ESSA. The mission of this group is to write and approve school improvement plans for this particular subset of schools.
Providence Parent Advisory Council (PAC): A group of Providence parents that meets monthly. As part of the state intervention, RIDE will now assume the support role for the PAC from PPSD.
The Providence Parent Action Group that the Commissioner convened in the fall will be absorbed into PAC. These are open meetings that community members can join.
The mission of the group is to solicit feedback on turnaround efforts, share information about and beyond the turnaround, and serve more broadly as an advocate liaison for Providence students and families with PPSD and RIDE.
PHOTO: School One Book Club
Commissioner Meets With Stakeholders
Commissioner started the day Friday by talking to Providence principals, followed by brief media availability, a conversation with Central Office staff, and a visit to Central High School to visit classrooms and meet with students and teachers.
Later in the afternoon, the Commissioner will meet with Providence Teachers Union leadership, and on Monday, with Providence parents.
