By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
From early childhood programs through college and career pathways for high school students, Dr. Ken Wagner is talking about his priorities as he prepares to head education efforts as Rhode Island Education Commissioner – designee.
“We need to focus on early childhood experiences, we need to focus on early literacy, and we also need to focus on the other side of things, meaningful pathways through high school that involve connections for college and career that are built on high quality CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs, early college programs,” Wagner said.
Wagner, who’s appointment Wednesday by Gov. Gina Raimondo is subject to state Board of Education approval on Monday, toured a summer school program in Central Falls, where he helped youngsters launch a water-filled bottle rocked, sampled salad dressing and talked with others inside the Calcott Middle School.
“I’m thrilled to have a month before school opens, and I just want to meet as many people as possible and get into buildings and learn about all the exciting stuff that’s going to happen in the fall.”
Wagner comes from New York State, where he served as Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy. He was asked if there are any programs from New York that he plans to import to Rhode Island.
“Every state is different. Rhode Island is Rhode Island and I look forward to focusing on, building upon the strengths of Rhode Island,” he said.
Wagner says that he plans to spend two weeks vacationing with his wife on the Isle of Capri, before getting to work in Rhode Island August first.
