Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

By Mark Reynolds
Journal staff writer

JOHNSTON, R.I. -- Governor Carcieri today accused the town's teachers union of spitefully pulling the plug on an important pilot project for upgrading science and math education in the state.

The School Department this week withdrew from participating in the inaugural year of the program, citing resistance from the union, which is trying to secure a new contract.

"This was a tremendous opportunity for Johnston to forge a new path in math and science education in Rhode Island," Carcieri said in a news release. "It represented a chance for the Johnston School District to use new tools and resources for their teachers and students to improve students' proficiency in the critical areas of science and math. This decision by the Johnston teacher's union to pull the plug on their own members is spiteful, and in the end only hurts the students."

State officials say another school district will be selected to take Johnston's place among six districts where teachers have agreed to take the necessary coursework this summer.

"We have received overwhelming response from school districts eager to participate," Carcieri said. "However, it is disappointing that Johnston has stepped away from the project, and it is a shame that the students will be deprived of the chance to participate," concluded Carcieri.

 Tags  Carcieri Johnston science teachers union

Comments

David said:

Since when has the teacher's union ever been about the students? It has always been about what's in it for the teachers and their union reps. It's just one of many items that contribute to low testing scores and why any parent with the enough resources, sends their children to private schools in RI or elsewhere.

Link | February 5, 2009 8:17 AM
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K said:

As a union member, I regretfully have to agree that this is a spiteful thing to do. Johnston can certainly use this, thier NECAP Math and Science grades reflect that HELP is needed in those areas--what a shame to lose such an opportunity!

Link | February 5, 2009 10:54 AM
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