Carcieri: Most R.I. schools improving
10:05 AM Wed, May 27, 2009 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Eighty-one percent of the state's public elementary, middle and high schools are making progress in bringing all students to proficiency in math and English, as required by the federal government. However, 56 of the state's 297 public schools are failing to make enough progress, and many of these struggling schools are located in urban districts that serve the state's poorest and most vulnerable students. High schools fared the worst, with just over half -- 56 percent -- making enough progress. Governor Carcieri and state education officials released the annual school classifications at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning at the DelSesto Middle School, 152 Springfield St.. "I commend our educators and students for their great accomplishment," Carcieri said. "We still have a lot of work to do, however. We know we must continue to focus strategically upon two areas -- our high schools and our urban schools -- to ensure the success of all students." Schools in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket continue to trail the rest of the state by a wide margin. Just 54 percent of those urban schools managed to make enough progress, compared to 91 percent of schools in the rest of the state. The classifications are based on reading and math tests that 77,000 students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 took in October. The scores of those yearly tests are computed into a formula that determines whether a school is helping groups of students -- white, black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, low-income, special education and English Language Learners -- make enough progress toward proficiency. Schools that show improvement among all student groups are classified as "making adequate yearly progress," while schools that fail to do so face sanctions, including giving parents school choice, providing students after-school tutoring or restructuring the school. According to the federal education reform law No Child Left Behind, schools are supposed to reach 100 percent proficiency in math and English by 2014. Current proficiency levels fall far short of this goal, with 68 percent of students in grades 3-8 proficient in reading and 57 percent proficient in math in the latest round of tests. Also, 69 percent of 11th graders scored proficient in reading, but just 27 percent were proficient in math. The state's 297 elementary, middle and high schools serve about 145,000 students a year. School classifications will be available on the Rhode Island Department of Education Web site after the release at: www.ride.ri.gov Take a closer look at today's data: Schools commended by the Board of Regents List of schools that failed to make enough progress, 2008-2009 school year 
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Congratulations to all of the schools who met their targets and also to those schools who are so close. Looking at the students that these urban schools have to work with, the lack of funding and proper resources to meet educational needs, and at times- the severe lack of parental support, I think it is quite commendable to see these accomplishments.
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Good thing we judge our schools based on a high-stakes, one shot only test. Since the students care so much about this tests we are obviously seeing the true and accurate results of our education system.
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School Choice- separate the weak schools from the strong schools.
Do the teachers and administrators get paid less to teach less? It should be merit based PAY.
Higher functioning schools get a bonus, lesser get a reduction. See how that changes the test scores!
The tax money should follow the child wherever the parents feel the best education is for that child.
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