Department of Education’s 2023 survey results show growth in Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A 2023 data report from the Rhode Island Department of Education shows that Providence has improved in key areas of education in comparison to the rest of the state.
Over 122,000 people participated in SurveyWorks, including educators, parents, and students.
“More engagement, we see that parents really care about what’s happening in their schools,” said RIDE Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. “They want us to keep pushing forward in the social emotional aspects.”
Statewide, the Department of Education saw positive responses from Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American participants across all topics.
The survey shows Providence rated the highest for family engagement, coming in at 30% while the rest of the state saw an average of 25%.
Officials speak at the unveiling of 2023 SurveyWorks results in Providence, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (WLNE)
The schools that answered the most positively on the SurveyWorks results were The Sgt. Cornel Young, Jr. & Charlotte Woods Elementary School and 360 High School.
Results from Young Woods saw 91% favorability. 360 saw a 9 point increase in family engagement overall, and an 11 point increase in families attending events.
Families said they saw success in classrooms teaching their children social-emotional learning the most. Students said they saw the most growth in themselves and their peers with hands-on learning.
As far as educators, they had positive feedback about high quality instructional materials in the district.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is seen speaking at the unveiling of 2023 survey results in Providence, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (WLNE)
Since implementing the materials, RIDE saw an increase in 7 points compared to last year. Leadership responsiveness was up 9 points from 2022.
In Pawtucket, two schools saw increases in favorability rates.
The Francis J. Varieur Elementary School saw an increase of 16 points in students who reported they felt belonged at school.
The survey showed Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts had a 26 point increase in social-emotional learning — putting favorability at 86%, the highest it’s ever been, even pre-pandemic.
“This data is critical for improving educational outcomes for our students, staff and families,” Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said. “There’s still much to build on, but these statistics show that we are moving in the right direction.”
According to the Department of Education, the survey gives an “insight into what is working for Rhode Island students, and challenges that can be addressed in the education system.”
