Providence Achieves Record Graduation Rates Amid Focus on Engagement and Equity

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Students from Providence Public School District celebrating their academic achievements.

News Summary

The Providence Public School District has announced a record four-year graduation rate of 79.4%, reflecting a 2.6 percentage-point increase from the previous year. This achievement highlights a significant reduction in the gap between local and statewide graduation rates, showcasing the effectiveness of strategic initiatives aimed at improving student engagement and equity. Notably, underserved student groups, including multilingual learners and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have shown remarkable gains. With support from local authorities, the district aims to maintain this positive trajectory for future academic success.

Providence Achieves Record Graduation Rates Amid Focus on Engagement and Equity

The Providence Public School District has reached a historic milestone, achieving a four-year graduation rate of 79.4%, the highest level recorded in over a decade. This marks a 2.6 percentage-point increase from the previous year, evidencing significant progress in the district’s efforts to enhance student outcomes.

The gap between Providence’s graduation rates and the statewide average has diminished to under 5 percentage points, showcasing the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at fostering engagement and educational equity. Deputy Superintendent Paula Dillon highlighted that these improvements indicate the positive impact of focused strategies on student attendance, engagement, and specialized programs in math and career and technical education.

Key Improvements Across Schools

Five out of the top ten high schools in Rhode Island for improving graduation rates belong to the Providence Public School District. The Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex achieved the highest gain in the state with a remarkable 13.1 percentage-point increase. Other schools that reported substantial gains include:

Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School: 8.1 percentage-point increase
Mt. Pleasant High School: 4.7 percentage-point increase
Providence Career and Technical Academy: 4 percentage-point increase

Support for Underserved Groups

Significant progress has been noted among historically underserved student groups. For instance, Multilingual Learners experienced a 9.3 percentage-point increase in graduation rates, climbing from 66.2% to 75.5%. Additionally, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds saw improvements of 2.4 percentage points, while six-year graduation rates for students with disabilities rose to 76.6%, surpassing the state average of 71.9%. Furthermore, graduation rates increased for Black and Hispanic students, reaching 82.7% and 79.5% respectively.

Community and State Involvement

Dillon expressed gratitude towards educators for their instrumental role in these advancements. The strong partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Education has also contributed significantly to the success observed in recent years.

Leadership Changes on the Horizon

In a move aimed at restoring local control over the school district by July 1, Mayor Brett Smiley has submitted five appointments for the Providence School Board. These appointments include three current board members and aim to solidify governance within the district. The candidates will require approval from the City Council, and the terms will vary in length.

The changes in the Board structure are part of a broader charter amendment approved by city voters in 2022, which allows for a mix of both elected and appointed members. This adjustment reflects the community’s desire for a more representative and accountable governance system for the education of its youth.

Looking Ahead

With a focused approach on engagement, equity, and the support from state and local authorities, Providence Public School District is on a promising trajectory. As the district celebrates these milestones, plans for continued improvement and further closing the graduation rate gap in the years to come remain a priority.