11-R329

2011 -- H 5978

Enacted 05/24/11

 

 

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

ENDORSING THE STATE'S EDUCATION STRATEGIC PLAN KNOWN AS

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION IN RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Tomasso, and Cimini

     Date Introduced: March 24, 2011

 

 

     WHEREAS, Education is essential to secure the religious and political freedom

established by our founders, and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations; and

     WHEREAS, Article XII of the Rhode Island State Constitution specifies that the

diffusion of knowledge, as well as virtue among the people, is essential to the preservation of

their rights and liberties; and

     WHEREAS, The quality of life and economic well-being of our citizens are assured

through the acquisition of knowledge; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Department of Education has developed a five-year

strategic plan to endow public school students with the education, abilities, and skills to succeed

in an ever changing society; and

     WHEREAS, The strategic plan, known as "Transforming Rhode Island Education," has

five priorities:

     Ensure Educator Excellence

     Every student must have highly effective teachers.

     Every school must have a highly effective leader.

     We must support educators throughout their careers.

     Accelerate All Schools Toward Greatness

     Rhode Island must not allow failing schools to exist.

     Leadership must be responsible for quality improvement.

     Communities must commit to supporting high-quality schools.

     Establish World-Class Standards and Assessments

      Standards must be clear, high, and internationally benchmarked.

     We must hold all educators and students to high expectations.

     We must hold schools accountable for student achievement.

     Develop User-Friendly Data Systems

      Everyone must have access to usable data.

     Data must be relevant, timely and practical.

     Data systems must drive continuous improvement.

     Invest Our Resources Wisely

      Financing must be adequate, effective, and equitable.

     We must use incentives to promote efficiencies and effectiveness.

     We must be capable stewards of the taxpayers' investment; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby commits to preserving and promoting the five priorities embodied

in "Transforming Rhode Island Education" and by doing so guarantees the rights for all citizens

articulated in the Rhode Island State Constitution and United States Constitution; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Chairman of the Rhode Island Board of

Regents and the Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

     

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LC02086

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