Kalus Talks Testing and School Choice, Avoids Commenting on Limiting Race Education, Banning Books
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Republican candidate for Rhode Island Governor Ashley Kalus held a press conference to unveil what would be her education policy if elected.
Kalus pledged to fund universal pre-K, promote public school choice, and “eliminate high-stakes end of the year testing and implement a progress-based testing system.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThroughout her speech, Kalus continually referenced the Massachusetts schools turnaround model, which has long been held as a gold standard — and known to Rhode Island officials for years — but never implemented here.
A fan of Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, Kalus refused however to discuss issues that have dominated his administration.
When specifically asked if she would support any effort to limit or restrict teaching about race and racism — as DeSantis did this spring — Kalus offered only the following.
“I think the focus given the crisis we’re in right now needs to be reading, writing, and math," said Kalus.
A report issued this week showed that Florida was second only to Texas in banning school books — but Kalus refused to comment on what her policy would be as Governor.
Kalus began her speech in Providence on Wednesday with the following.
“Malcom X said education is the passport to the future — for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” said Kalus.
“He was right. I am not content with the quality of our education for our kids. I want to provide them with a world-class education. Education is the civil rights issue of our time,” she added.
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