Project Summary

The Rhode Island Teaching and Learning Center (RITLC) contracted with The Education Alliance to conduct an evaluation of the center's goals and activities.

The Rhode Island Department of Education conceptualized the RITLC as a hub for professional development efforts throughout the state. Specifically, the RITLC was to assist the Rhode Island Department of Education in implementing state initiatives for education reform and school improvement, with the aim of increasing teachers' content knowledge and use of standards-based instruction and technology.

The evaluation focused on a review of the history of the RITLC, its structure and governance, the success and limitations of its activities relative to its goals, and the perceptions of the RITLC by a variety of educators in Rhode Island. Methods included: interviews with key staff, teachers and administrators; observations of RITLC-sponsored professional development events, Policy Advisory Board meetings, and meetings of the coaching network; a document review; and, a survey of RI National Board certified teachers and candidates.