Four Schools In Providence, Rhode Island Develop Own Turnaround Plans

The Providence (RI) Journal (10/29, Borg) reports that four schools in Providence, Rhode Island, which have been "identified by state Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist as among the worst in the state, have devised" plans "to turn themselves around after years of low student achievement." The efforts are not ordinary, because these plans are "coming from the bottom up. Typically, school reform is developed by the superintendent and staff and imposed on the individual schools." But, with the bottom-up approach, "principals and teachers have decided which reforms will boost student performance." The changes will be observed by a "labor-management partnership...believed to be the first of its kind in the" US. Beginning next September, "all four schools will have" up to 75 minutes added to the school day, teachers will have 10 professional training days added to their contract, and more time will be devoted to helping students struggling with math and reading.