stymied reform, and pressed for higher spending on early-childhood programs, reductions in class size, and improving teacher training programs. In 2009, the state federation began a push to have local school boards adopt much more rigorous teacher evaluation standards as well as stronger mentoring program. The state of Rhode Island approved the plan for adoption by local school boards, and RIFTHP won a $200,000 national competitive grant to help fund the first four programs (to be implemented in Central Falls, Cranston, Pawtucket, Providence, West Warwick, and Woonsocket). Publications The RIFTHP issues one publication, the Smith Hill Report. The Smith Hill Report is published weekly while the Rhode Island General Assembly is in session. It is available on RIFTHP's Web site. References External links RIFTHP Web site American Federation of Teachers Education trade unions Healthcare trade unions in the United States Trade unions in Rhode Island Public sector trade unions Trade unions established in 1947 Education in Rhode Island 1947 establishments in Rhode Island State wide trade unions in the United States Medical and health organizations based in Rhode Island