URI_Research_Magazine_2009-2010_Melissa-McCarthy

“Preparing educators is one of the best things Rhode Island can do for a prosperous economic future.”

developing and implementing new teacher education strategies. “This partnership has allowed us to work more closely with these school districts. The grant funding has provided resources for training and equipment that might not have been there without it.” One of the transformative aspects of this project has been the interdisciplinary collaboration at the University of Rhode Island. Aspiring teachers at URI’s School of Education are required to choose a second major in an Arts and Sciences discipline, such as history, economics, mathematics, English, language, sociology, art, and classical studies, to name a few. “This way,” Adamy states “we are able to ensure that they will have expertise in a content area, as well as the experience and skills that come from an in-depth study in one area.” Students are also paired with teachers in partner school districts who serve as advisors and mentors. URI’s curriculum and instructors are excellent, but Adamy says, “The most valuable learning comes from having hands-on experiences and opportunities to apply the technical and theoretical knowledge they are getting at the university.” The success that Byrd and Adamy have had with the RITER project has led them to develop and submit another proposal to the US Department

of Education for $8.3 million to fund a more intensive partnership with four high need districts: Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Central Falls. Preparing educators is one of the best things Rhode Island can do for a prosperous economic future. “Without good schools and without good teachers, the economy cannot develop,” Byrd says. The RITER program is working. In 2004-2005, its inaugural year, prospective teachers had a pass rate of 91 percent on national teacher exams. By 2006-07, pass rates had risen to 98 percent. The University of Rhode Island is one of only 11 institutions nationwide recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for its exemplary teacher education program reports. URI had a standard basic skills test for teacher candidates 10 years before the state required it. When it comes to educating Rhode Island’s future teachers, the University of Rhode Island has positioned itself strategically to help create a prosperous economic future as well as serving as a possible model for education programs nationwide.

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