GLOCESTER – A town elementary school that previously received only three stars for accountability and testing results by the Rhode Island Department of Education was recognized this week for improvements over the past year, and named among the top in the state.
Fogarty Memorial School received five stars on the recently released the 2022 school accountability and improvement results.
According to a release from RIDE, the rating system aims to provide a transparent, accessible, and easy-to-understand snapshot of school performance. The Star Ratings, and school accountability data, are housed within RIDE’s online Report Card platform. This week’s rating release marks the first in the state since the pandemic, and details school performance data under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
“School accountability data is more important than ever as we work together to accelerate student learning and identify areas of need,” said Chairperson of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “This data will help our schools evaluate their progress, shift and expand supports as necessary and deliver the education our students deserve. We thank all our local education agencies for their unwavering commitment, urgency, and flexibility as we move our education system forward.”
One of two elementary schools serving Glocester students, the Snake Hill Road facility educates kids in grades K through 5. The other, West Glocester Elementary, received the more common three star rating, as did Ponaganset High School and Middle School.
Statewide, there are 14 5-star schools, 28 4-star schools, 116 3-star schools, 94 2-star schools, and 38 1-star schools.
RIDE officials noted that the rating system utilizes a broad range of performance measures, and schools must perform well across all measures to earn a high star rating. Among those measures student achievement and student growth, measured through performance on state assessments, “rounded out by a more expansive view of school climate and culture,” according to RIDE.
Fogarty was one of five Rhode Island schools highlighted by RIDE for significant growth in accountability measures.
“To stem the broader impact of the pandemic, we are committed to working closely with school leaders to continue to build and expand programs to help our schools accelerate learning and guide our students forward,” Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said with release of the ratings. “We share our gratitude with the Rhode Island education community, who will use this data responsibly to inform families of their students’ schools and improve student outcomes across the board.”
