Schools

Despite Improved State Testing Scores, 1,800+ RI Seniors at Risk of Not Graduating

The latest state assessments show improvement in test results and graduation rates, though many seniors are in danger of not meeting graduation requirements.

NECAP scores and graduation rates are improving in Rhode Island, but more than 1,800 high school seniors are still at risk of not getting their diploma. The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has released results from the latest NECAP assessments on Friday.

Rhode Island's four-year high school graduation rate improved by three percent to 80 percent with the class of 2013. NECAP scores also so improvements, with increases in 11th grade math and reading scores. 

Though 73 percent of Rhode Island's high schoolers have met the graduation requirement in math and are now eligible to earn a diploma. Last year, that figure was only 60 percent. Despite the gain, more than 1,800 seniors are at risk of not graduating high school due to their low math scores. 

Of those who retook the NECAP this past October, 1,370 improved enough to meet the math requirements. (Another 807 students who scored "substantially below proficient" in math did not retake the test.) These students still have other opportunities to get their diplomas, including alternate tests and waivers distributed by their school districts. 

State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist points to the improved test scores and graduation rates as proof that Rhode Island is on the right track with its new high school graduation requirements. She stated that the class of 2013 showed "it can be done."

"Holding students to high expectations and helping them to reach those goals is truly in the best interest of all students, and we will continue with this commitment," said Gist.

Click here to get RIDE's complete report.


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