Friday, April 22, 2016

Rhode Island Classroom #107 Features Higher Education, School Safety, and Environmental Ed



The next episode of Rhode Island Classroom airs Thursday, May 25 at 8 p.m. The episode will encore on Saturday, May 28 at 11 p.m. and Sunday, May 29 at 6 p.m. as part of the ongoing Rhode Island PBS series, Rhode Island Stories.

Episode #107 visits with Jim Purcell, the commissioner of postsecondary education, to discuss the state of the state's higher education: are Rhode Island colleges and universities making the grade? Purcell also talks about new funding initiatives proposed by the governor and how those will be implemented. Finally, viewers take a virtual tour and hear the latest about the construction of the new URI | RIC nursing education center in Providence.

In another segment, Rhode Island Classroom reports on the aftermath of the recent string of bomb threats at RI schools. Host Nicole Muri sits down with the state police to find out how they respond, and how they keep our children safe going forward. The segment includes a demonstration by the state police bomb-sniffing K-9 unit. Also, a psychologist suggests ways parents can talk to their children who may be frightened after a bomb threat and evacuation at school.

Finally, a new law signed by President Obama will increase access to environmental education for K-12 students. Rhode Island Classroom heads to the water's edge to find out what that means for local schoolchildren in a program of hands-on environmental education in collaboration with Save The Bay.

Rhode Island Classroom explores the latest technology, lessons, and people who are making the grade in Rhode Island's Kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms. Produced by WSBE Rhode Island PBS, Rhode Island Classroom is a half-hour quarterly series that introduces stand-out teachers who are inspiring students, break-through courses offered in area schools, and new, exciting programs that are motivating students to succeed.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air on 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox cable 08/1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08/508HD, Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD (Comcast SD subscribers check local listings for channel), Verizon FiOS 18/518HD; on satellite: Dish 36/7776, DirecTV 36.