Rep. Serpa Sponsors $500,000 Classroom Funding Bill

As a result of a joint resolution (2012-H 7451, 2012-S 2404), lawmakers voted to allocate $500,000 of the state budget to go toward a private/public partnership with the JASON Project, a nonprofit organization founded by University of Rhode Island Professor Robert Ballard designed to help teachers develop their 21^st century skills while promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the classroom.

“Education is one of the most important investments we can make as a state,” said Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), sponsor of the House bill. “It is imperative not to lose sight of that, even during times of financial turmoil. Programs like the JASON Project are especially important now, when school districts are expected to raise achievement levels of students to meet rigorous academic standards. The program will target a certain demographic with this new matched funding and help our students make strides toward success in subjects where Rhode Island students have traditionally fallen behind.”

Representative Serpa testified in favor of the bill at a House Finance Committee hearing in April.

The program, which will additionally receive $1.5 million in private support, has the ability to expand into Title 1 schools in West Warwick, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Cumberland and other communities that serve large groups of low- and moderate-income families. The state net contribution would total about $50 per student – a cost which Representative Serpa considers a small investment when one considers what students gain in knowledge and practical skills. The JASON Project also works in collaboration with URI, National Geographic Society, Sea Research Foundation, Mystic Aquarium, Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, and Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Rhode Island.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics – known in the education world as the STEM subjects – have been identified as areas in which all schools need to improve. The goal of the project is to reach as many as 75 educators and 10,000 students within the first year of the program.

Under the joint resolution, the state portion of the funding would be used as follows:

• Certification of “lead teachers,” including stipends for involvement: $35,000;

• Grants to schools and organizations for program implementation: $185,000;

• Training for educators and youth workers: $50,000;

• Curriculum for schools and after-school programs: $80,000;

• Scientist mentoring via URI Inner Space Center: $150,000.

Ballard, a world-renowned deep-sea explorer mostly known for his discovery of the sunken R.M.S. Titanic, started the JASON Project in 1989. The nonprofit organization serves approximately 1,000 students and teachers across the state with its afterschool initiative known as “Immersion Learning,” but also has programs in all 50 states. It assists teachers in their goal to motivate students, integrate technology into lesson plans and more effectively manage their classrooms in a learning culture that is becoming increasingly fast-paced.

Sen. Elizabeth A. Crowley (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Cumberland, Pawtucket), the Senate sponsor of the resolution, said it is essential for educators to provide alternative pathways to learning.

“Programs like this really engage students, and I think people underestimate the importance of that,” Senator Crowley said. “The JASON Project allows teachers to communicate STEM concepts in different ways, tailoring education to the emerging needs of our 21^st century students.”

Cosponsors of the House resolution include Representatives Michael A. Tarro (D-Dist. 8, Providence), Agostinho F. Silva (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls), Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly) and Peter J. Petrarca (D-Dist. 44, Lincoln, Johnston, Smithfield). Senators Frank A. DeVall Jr. (D-Dist. 18, East Providence), Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton), Harold M. Metts (D-Dist. 6, Providence) and Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) cosponsored the Senate resolution.