Supporting Community Voice in Providence
We stand in partnership with our friends at ARISE (Alliance of Rhode Island South East Asians for Education), Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), Youth in Action (YIA), the Providence Student Union (PSU), and many students and parents as they gather tomorrow at the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to demand that RIDE share a clear plan with the public around the Providence state takeover before it is implemented. The group, represented by the Rhode Island Center for Justice, is asking the Education Commissioner to ensure that there is a formal role for parents and students to weigh in on the plan for improving the city’s
schools, the leaders who will implement it, and the goals, progress and criteria to ensure the plan’s success.
Building a strong education system in Providence means that those who have historically been left out of decision-making in school and district matters—namely students, parents and community members—have a seat at the table. Their lived experiences, perspectives and vision must be heard. Inclusion of their voices is an important step in ensuring that we do not perpetuate the inequities in our education system that brought us to where we are today. As a longtime supporter of public education in Providence, the Foundation believes that community voices are crucial to building a strong future for this great city and ensuring that all young people—especially those who have been
underserved—have the chance to flourish.
-The Nellie Mae Education Foundation
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