I am working to improve mathematics and science education in our elementary and secondary schools though promotion of strategic partnering with industry and academic scientists like explorer Dr. Robert Ballard of URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography. Dr. Ballard began the world-famous Jason Project, in which students can explore remote areas of the world via high-definition satellite communication. I believe that science is best learned when our young scientists experience science directly, so I have worked to foster programs that incorporate hands-on education methods such as aquaculture in the classroom.
2004
H 7157—AS AMENDEDCREATING A SPECIAL HOUSE COMMISSION TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN. This resolution extends the reporting date of the special house commission to promote and develop a comprehensive system of education for the visually impaired children from March 18, 2004 to March 18, 2005. The purpose of this commission is to promote and develop a comprehensive system of education for visually impaired children that includes early child screening, development, and as well as K-12 instruction.
H 7531—CONGRATULATING DR. ROBERT BALLARD FOR ENGAGING AND INSPIRING STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WITH JASON PROJECT 2004. This resolution commends Dr. Robert Ballard and his team of scientists and teacher and student Argonauts for providing every student in Rhode Island with the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by Jason Project 2004
H 8204—AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION. This act would allow the board of regents for elementary and secondary education to provide for special grants to stimulate special education service arrangements and establish the level of subsidy that it deems appropriate to continue the operation of any special education service area. This act would also add a member of the Paul V. Sherlock Center for Disabilities to the interagency transition council within the department of elementary and secondary education, and would require each school committee to inform the parents or legal guardian of a child with disabilities of the availability of the services at the Paul V. Sherlock Center for Disabilities.
H 8205—RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- FAMILY INDEPENDENCE ACT. This act would provide that fifty dollars ($50.00) of child support paid by a noncustodial be provided to the family of children receiving cash assistance from the family independence program.
H 8234—CREATING A SPECIAL HOUSE COMMISSION TO REVIEW CURRENT SCIENCE EDUCATION K-12 STANDARDS AND THOSE FOR "THE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" REQUIREMENT. This resolution would create a nine member special house commission whose purpose it would be to review current science education and who would report back to the House of Representatives no later than March 17, 2005.
H 8285—RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PUPILS. This act would require the department of education to establish a school vision-testing program.
H 8300—CREATING A SPECIAL HOUSE COMMISSION TO PROMOTE, DEVELOP AND ARTICULATE A PUBLIC SCIENCE SCHOOL FOR GRADES 6-12 ALIGNED WITH HIGHER EDUCATION. This resolution would create a nine (9) member special legislative commission whose purpose it would be to review current science education and who would report back to the House of Representatives no later than March 17, 2005.
H 8360—RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SPONSOR AND VIGOROUSLY SUPPORT THE ENACTMENT OF THE "INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ACCESSIBILITY ACT" IN THE 108TH SESSION OF CONGRESS. RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation to sponsor, and most vigorously support, the enactment of the "Instructional Materials Accessibility Act," also known as the IMAA in this 108th session (2003-2004) of Congress.
H 8596—PROCLAIMING MAY 15, 2004 THROUGH JUNE 15, 2004 AS "TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH". That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 15, 2004 through June 15, 2004 as "Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month".