Deborah Gist Won’t Debate PSU Over NECAP Requirement
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Providence Student Union members are not satisfied with Education Commissioner Deborah Gist's RSVP on its invitation to debate NECAP grad requirements.
The students have not yet given up on their cause. They plan on sending out a media advisory in then next day or so about upcoming action this week. "This week we will be holding a candlelight vigil at RIDE," said Hector Perea, a junior at Hope High School and a member of the PSU. "We were really disappointed when Gist told us that a 'debate on the merits of the diploma system would serve no public purpose at this time.' We think the thousands of students in our state who are experiencing narrowing curricula, teaching to the test, and concern about their futures because of this policy very much do deserve a debate, as do their parents and teachers and families."
Perea went on to say that the PSU was concerned that the Commissioner's reputation "as a courageous, straight-talking leader can't survive if she won't even debate a couple high school students." After all, Perea said, "If you're actually confident about your position, what would you have to fear from a public conversation like this? That's why this Thursday, some students will be holding a candlelight vigil at RIDE to grieve for the tragic passing of Commissioner Gist's reputation.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTStudents Challenge Gist
The PSU sent Commissioner Gist a letter requesting that previous discussion behind closed doors be brought out in a public forum. Part of the letter read, “In the name of open discussion and the free exchange of ideas, we, the members of the Providence Student Union, respectfully request that you participate with us in a public debate regarding Rhode Island’s new high-stakes standardized testing graduation requirement. We suggest the following terms:
- We agree on a neutral setting
- We agree on a neutral moderator
- We agree on a neutral format (our suggestion is to copy the debate done by Leadership Rhode Island for and against the resolution, “The Rhode Island Department of Education should reverse its decision to make NECAP scores a high school graduation requirement,” using some variation of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues’ public debate format).”
Aaron Regunberg, an organizer of the PSU said, “PSU, as an organization, is against NECAP, not against Gist as a person.” Regunberg has been an outspoken opponent of the NECAP, high stakes testing as a graduation requirement since leaving Ocean State Action’s “Where’s the Work” Campaign late last year to organize the Student Union.
The Commissioner Won’t Bite
Gist responded to the PSU’s invitation to debate in a lengthy email sent on May 21st. The email, provided by Clark Greene of the Rhode Island Department of Education, read, “…I appreciate the concerns that you shared with me regarding the quality of instruction in some of your schools and classes. Though we disagree on the significance and use of standardized assessments, we do agree that worksheet overload and uninspired test preparation is not the most effective way to advance student knowledge and skills in mathematics, or in any subject.” The letter from Gist went on to say, “As I said to those from the Providence Student Union who met with me on Thursday (May 16), I respectfully decline the invitation to engage with you in a debate regarding the use of state assessments as part of our Diploma System. The Board of Regents approved the Diploma System and the graduation requirements in 2008, and again in their current form in 2011, following a process of extensive public debate and a series of public hearings. The Diploma System has been in place now for several years, and a debate on its merits would serve no public purpose at this time. Of course you are free to express your views on our Diploma System in any forum that you choose.”
At the Rhode Island Board of Education’s May meeting, held on Thursday, May 23, testimony was not in the Commissioner’s favor. According to live tweets by Rhode Island Progressive Democrat of America operative, Gus Uht, “Parents and students have been put at the top of the speaker list. So far Gist has not been doing well.” The topic of Gist’s contract renewal has been a topic of much recent debate. According to the Board of Education, they will be accepting comments on Gist’s Contract renewal for consideration until June 1st. Uht tweeted, “Almost entire audience left when Gist started to speak.”
The Commissioner concluded her message to the Providence Student Union’s request for a public forum debate by saying, “I want you to know that I sincerely commend you for your advocacy on behalf of public education and for your commitment to ensuring that all students in Providence receive a world-class education that will prepare them for success beyond high school. As I mentioned at our meeting last week, I would be honored to join with you in a public forum to discuss how we can work together to ensure that all students have the knowledge and skills they need to earn a meaningful diploma. Please let me know if you would like to follow up on that idea, or how you would like to proceed with the areas of work about which we agree. I am confident our views are not as far apart as some may think – and that there’s a lot we can do in partnership.”
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