Ed chief backtracks on Highlander charter

State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist is now recommending that the Highlander Charter School be given a two years to make improvements, instead of one year for parents to find other options. In January 2011, education officials would review the Providence school’s test results and could choose to grant a second year.

Gist had initially recommended just a one-year extension for the K-8th grade school, citing concerns about low test scores in the elementary grades. Parents and several members of the state board of education questioned the recommendation because Highlander is one of the highest performing middle schools in Providence.

The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education votes on the new recommendation this afternoon.