RI schools chief: state can be proud of schools
PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island's top education official is telling state lawmakers they have reason to be proud of the state's public schools.
Education Commissioner Deborah Gist (GHIST') detailed several recent education accomplishments during her annual State of Education address Tuesday at the Statehouse.
Gist highlighted improvements in student proficiency and the state's selection for a $50 million federal Race to the Top federal education grant. She also briefed lawmakers on a new teacher evaluation system and efforts to help the state's lowest-achieving schools improve.
Still, Gist says the state "has a long way to go" and must work hard to improve student performance in math.
Gist became commissioner in 2009. The commissioner is required by state law to report to state lawmakers annually on the state of education.
