Director Baird presents Rhode Island schools accountability report card updates

The Central Falls School District Board of Trustees meeting on January 28, 2025, highlighted significant achievements and ongoing challenges within the district's schools, as officials reviewed the latest accountability measures tied to the 2023-2024 school year.

One of the most notable outcomes discussed was the recognition of Calcut and Central Falls High School for their improved performance, with both schools successfully exiting the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) list. Additionally, Raices earned a commendable five-star rating for its language development programs, showcasing the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.

Director Haire presented a detailed overview of the district's report card system, which rates schools on a scale of one to five stars based on various performance metrics, including academic achievement, growth in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, graduation rates, and student success measures. The meeting revealed that while many schools are performing at a mid-level, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in achievement and graduation rates.

The accountability measures indicate that while some schools, like ReadySpace and Veterans, have shown significant growth in ELA and math proficiency, others are still struggling to meet the expected benchmarks. The district's overall performance in English language proficiency was also discussed, with Raices leading the way with a three-point score, placing it in the five-star category.

Trustees emphasized the importance of addressing chronic absenteeism and suspension rates, which are critical factors in the district's overall performance. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing data analysis and the development of new dashboards to track progress, ensuring that the district remains focused on improving educational outcomes for all students.

As the Central Falls School District moves forward, the board's dedication to transparency and accountability will be crucial in fostering a supportive learning environment and achieving long-term success for its students. The next steps include submitting an action plan by February 28, which will outline strategies to enhance performance and maintain the positive momentum gained in recent years.