Twelve Cranston teachers are heading back to college for intensive English as a Second Language Instruction training as part of a $480,000 initiative to close the “achievement gap” for students who are English Learners (EL). Eight percent of the district’s students are classified as English Learners.

“We are in need of more qualified teachers for our EL population, and this certainly helps encourage educators to pursue this certification. I hope this program will enhance our efforts to better serve our students,” said Jeannine Nota-Masse, Cranston school superintendent.

The participating teachers are Mia Acciardo, Lisa Barrentine, Heather Breton, Mary Colannino, Sheila Grace, Brianna Lennon, Henry Maine, Karen Motta, Cheryl Ann Palombo, Dawn Renaud, Kimberly Salimeno, and Leah Turcotte.

“I am truly grateful to the teachers who are participating in this program. I realize that having a full-time teaching job, families and other commitments make it difficult for adults to return for additional schooling. However, this work is so important to the success of our students, and the teachers who are participating realize this is critical work,” Nota-Masse said.

The Rhode Island Foundation is funding the initiative to the tune of $160,000 in grants. Statewide, 60 teachers were selected to participate in the program.

“Our goal is to support this initiative to improve the literacy skills, bilingual capability and academic success of English Learners across the state. Their educational success depends on closing gaps in student outcomes and one of the best investments we can make is in the professional development of teachers and school leaders,” said Neil Steinberg, the foundation’s president and CEO.

The 18-month program will also draw teachers from Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket. Together with Cranston, they combined to contribute another $160,000 for the partnership, which caught the eye of the state Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Ken Wager.

“We’re proud that 60 Rhode Island teachers have joined this first public-private partnership cohort of educators seeking certification to teach English as a Second Language and in dual-language programs. By earning these certifications, these teachers will expand their professional credentials, improve the lives of hundreds of our students, and invest in the future of our state,” Wagner said.

Statewide, only 9 percent of English Learners met expectations in reading and writing, compared with 38 percent of all students taking the PARCC assessment in 2016.

“If we want our workforce to be well educated and highly skilled, we need to invest now in public education, particularly the education of our English learners,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said. “As our newly arrived children and their families acquire proficiency in English, they will become bilingual or even multilingual – a tremendous advantage for students preparing for success in postsecondary education and in the diverse, global economy of the 21st century.”

The foundation awarded grants to Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island, which combined to provide another $160,000 in funding through partial scholarships for participating teachers.

“Through our courses, educators will learn to use research- and evidence-based practices in instruction, assessment and curriculum to support English language learners, and serve as advocates for culturally and linguistic diverse families,” said Don Halquist, dean of the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development at RIC.

Some teachers will attend classes led by RIC faculty in schools in Providence and Central Falls; others will take an online curriculum through URI.

“The University of Rhode Island and the School of Education are very excited to be working on this urban collaborative to improve education for ELs and dual language students, and we’re especially pleased to be offering this program fully online to meet the needs of teachers both in RI and beyond,” said David Byrd, director of URI’s School of Education.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of non-profit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2015, the foundation awarded $41.5 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org. 1