This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Next Stop: RI STEAM Charter Public Hearings Early July

RIDE is evaluating a compelling K-6 public charter school proposal from the Rhode Island STEAM Academy team. Now, it's the public's turn to learn more about the innovative proposal and to be heard at one of the two upcoming public hearings.

As the school year winds down...it is time to power up our RI STEAM Academy public charter school conversation!

First, we want to clarify that the 2013 Newport County STEAM Academy initiative has been revised, and now has a new name and sharper focus -- the Rhode Island STEAM Academy (RISA). (Also, there is a second proposed charter school in the RIDE pipeline, the Ida Lewis Leadership Academy, that is not affiliated with RISA).

While local media has been focused on bridge tolls and casinos, the founding team of RISA has been focused on designing a tightly written proposal and “socializing” our revised concepts with key stakeholders from around the state, including Governor Chafee.  To date, our proposal -- heavily shaped by Naval Academy Preparatory School staff -- has been well received. We invite you to learn more about our new approach via this link to the RIDE web site -  bit.ly/RISAproposal

Next, we need your help.
Please join us on July 8  or 10 to speak in favor of our proposal at one of RIDE's public hearings taking place at 6PM at the Newport Public Library. Your positive feedback will help influence RIDE Commissioner Deborah Gist’s recommendation to the RI Board of Education.


Here is a summary of 2014’s tighter, higher impact approach:

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Our focus:

    • targeting math skills and STEAM relevance, starting with our youngest learners

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • “raising the bar” for all students, preparing them for the global workplace

  • encouraging young girls to explore math and science career pathways

  • closing the chronic socioeconomic achievement gaps in math, literacy, and science

  • improving early classroom behaviors via school uniforms

  • building a “Can-Do” culture, with high expectations for all children

  • Opening in Sept 2015 at grades K-1 and growing one grade per year to grade 6

  • Delivering an integrated STEAM curriculum that taps best practices from national thought-leaders

  • Generating interest and enthusiasm for STEAM thinking via daily use of the award-winning Project Lead the Way  program

  • Adding additional art/design aspects in partnership with our new formal sponsor, the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County

  • Sharing our unique curriculum approaches and professional development opportunities with local elementary and middle school teachers

  • Please attend one of the hearings and lend your voice in support of higher academic achievement and educational choice for OUR communities! 

      

    Karen, Steve, Melita, Marco, Laurie, Mike, & Beth

    RI STEAM Team / rhodeislandsteam.com / RI STEAM Facebook 



    The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

    More from Middletown