Deborah Gist

No Decision on Gist Contract

Elisabeth Harrison — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:26:12 +0000

The State Board of Education discussed a contract extension for Education Commissioner Deborah Gist last night but took no action. The conversation took place behind closed doors, which is standard practice for personnel matters.

At least 200 people attended the public portion of the board meeting, some to testify in opposition to Gist and others to speak on a controversial measure to arm state college police. The board passed the measure on campus police, allowing each state university to make its own decision about arming campus police forces.

Board of Ed Tackles Guns, Gist and Science

Elisabeth Harrison — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:20 +0000

There’s a meaty agenda on tap this week at the State Board of Education. The group is scheduled to vote Thursday on a controversial proposal to allow police to carry guns on state college campuses. The board is also scheduled to vote on adopting new science standards and consider a contract extension for Education Commissioner Deborah Gist.

Rhode Island Teachers Will Voice Concerns Over Education Policy

Flo Jonic — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:37:52 +0000

Rhode Island’s two teacher unions are hosting a forum Monday to collect information to present to the state Board of Education. Teacher evaluations and state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist are expected to be targeted for criticism.

Last week, two dozen business organizations endorsed state Education Commissioner Deborah Gist and urged the state Board of Education to renew her contract. Some of the teachers under her command, however, do not share their enthusiasm. Frank Flynn, president of the Rhode Island Federation of

Teachers to Sound Off on Education Policy

Elisabeth Harrison — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:23:51 +0000

Rhode Island’s two teachers’ unions are holding a forum for teachers to discuss their dissatisfaction with new policies in the state’s public schools.

Teachers have complained about the pace of changes under State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist, and they are particularly concerned about new annual teacher evaluations, which include test scores as one measure of teacher effectiveness. The teachers have asked the state to slow down implementation of the evaluations, saying they are time consuming and need adjustment.

As RI Rolls Out Common Core, Are New Science Standards Next?

Elisabeth Harrison — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:44:59 +0000

Rhode Island is one of 26 states that have promised to consider new science guidelines known as the Next Generation Science Standards. The standards were developed by the same organization that created the Common Core, a group of national standards many states including Rhode Island are now adopting for Math and English.

Business Supports Gist

Elisabeth Harrison — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:50:10 +0000

Business leaders are coming out in support of Deborah Gist, the state’s controversial education commissioner. The Providence Journal reports that two dozen business organizations have asked the State Board of Education to renew Gist’s contract, which is currently under review.

Controversy Follows Gist to the Statehouse

Elisabeth Harrison — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:17:17 +0000

Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist urged lawmakers to pass a series of bills aimed at improving school safety in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting during her State of Education speech on Tuesday. She also urged passage of the governor’s budget which increases funding for public schools, colleges and universities.

Contract Extension Likely For Ed. Commissioner Gist

Elisabeth Harrison — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:46:50 +0000

Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist is working out terms for an extension of her contract. The controversial Gist is expected to remain at the helm of the state Department of Education.

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist led the team that brought Rhode Island a $75 million federal Race to the Top grant. But she’s also been criticized for shepherding in an era of tough teacher evaluations and high stakes testing as a graduation requirement.

Gist Back in the Classroom

Natalie Jablonski — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:13:00 +0000

State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist got a chance to use her teaching skills this week. She taught a mini economics lesson to a kindergarten class.

Twenty kindergartners quietly fidget as Commissioner Gist introduces herself. Her lesson focuses on basic concepts like earning and saving, and how to recognize coins.

Most Adults Fail the Mock NECAP Test

Flo Jonic — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:23:24 +0000

NECAP, the standardized test that’s become a requirement for high school graduation in Rhode Island, may be harder than most people think. A majority of adults who took a portion of the math test last weekend failed to make the grade.