RIPEC Report: RI Schools Improving, but Still Behind

RIPEC Report: RI Schools Improving, but Still Behind

A new report from the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council finds the state has made gains in education, but still trails much of New England and other parts of the country.

The 74-page breakdown highlights the success stories and the setbacks for public education in the Ocean State and urges the state to continue on its path to turning schools around.

The report suggests the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has started to implement an ambitious education agenda, and that results are beginning to appear, including a growing number of students achieving proficiency on the New England Common Assessment Program assessments.

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The study also notes that for the first time since the National Assessment of Educational Progress was administered, Rhode Island 4th graders scored above the national average on the mathematics assessment. It praises RIDE department for working with local school districts to move forward on a number of key initiatives central to its strategic plan, such as finalizing implementation of the Uniform Chart of Accounts, adopting Common Core State Standards, and developing an educator evaluation system.

Work to be Done

But the report also suggests there is work to be done.

For example, the state ranked 6th highest in the country for per pupil education expenditures, but 29th highest in 8th grade NAEP mathematics and reading performance. Further, Rhode Island under-performs relative to the national and regional averages on the SAT and has a higher percentage of adults without at least a high school diploma than the other New England states and the nation.

“Despite improvements, there remains much work to be done,” the executive summary reads. “Rhode Island has one of the most high-cost elementary and secondary education systems, and yet ranks in the bottom half in the nation for NAEP results. While demographics are a factor – more students are enrolled in the state’s free or reduced lunch program than any other New England state, for example – they do not, alone explain the state’s performance gaps. Parents, neighbors, business leaders and public officials, along with teachers and school administrators, have a shared responsibility to continuously monitor these initiatives as they work to better the state’s public education system.”

Aggressive Reforms

Still, the report cites several reforms that have garnered national attention and were considered key parts of the state winning a $75 million grant in the Race to the Top competition. The state learned it could receive up to $50 million in additional funds for early childhood education programs.

“Notably, these improvements and changes have occurred during a time of extraordinary fiscal stress – the growth in education-related expenditures has significantly slowed over the past few years, largely in response to cuts to state aid and a declining local revenue base,” a press release issued by RIPEC stated. “That the state continues to move forward with the reform agenda, fully funding the first year of the funding formula, for example, is recognition of the importance of education and the necessity of these reforms. “

RIPEC suggests the state the state has a unique opportunity to reform its education system and calls for aggressive implantations of RIDE’s strategies.

“At this critical moment, it is crucial that the focus remain on improving the state of education in Rhode Island. Reforms, such as the funding formula, must be allowed to work, and the state must continue progress towards goals such as the development of a longitudinal data system,” the release stated. “These efforts are public investments in the state’s economic and social future that will yield a return if done in a thoughtful, dedicated manner.”

 

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