Defining the Literacy Challenge in Rhode Island An Opportunity for Problem- Solving Presented by: Jacqueline Bourassa, Education Specialist, RIDE Elizabeth Hyman, Assessment Specialist, RIDE

Profile of RI Public Schools : Students 158,046 Teachers 11,895

Local public schools State-Operated Public charter schools -local districts Public charter schools -nonprofit Area Career & Technical Schools Collaboratives Schools in Rhode Island

Characteristics of RI School Students

What data do we review? National Assessment of Educational Progress

Grade 4 Average Scale Scores across %iles R.I. (2003) by All Students NAEP Reading Subscales

Grade 4 Average Scale Scores across %iles: R. I. (2003) by Students with Disabilities: NAEP Reading Subscales

Grade 8 Average Scale Scores across %iles: R. I (2003) by Students with Disabilities: NAEP Reading Subscales

Grade 4 Average Scale Scores across %iles: Rhode Island (2003) by LEP Eligibility: NAEP Reading Subscales

Grade 8 Average Scale Scores across %iles R.I. (2003) by LEP Eligibility NAEP Reading Subscales

What did we learn about RI student performance on a national measure? Students are exposed to Literary and Informational texts There is comparable performance on each type of text Disaggregated groups reveal gaps within the subgroups

Taking a closer look… 2002 results of New Standards Reference Examination in English Language Arts

New Standards Reference Examination Spring 2002 – All Students

New Standards Reference Examination Spring 2002 Students with Disabilities

NSRE ELA - Spring 2002 Regular Education and Students with Disabilities

What conclusions are drawn from this data?

Is there enough data to support these conclusions?

What other sources could be used?

Where to look…. Disaggregated state assessment results Local assessment results District and school report cards InfoWorks SALT Visit Reports SALT Survey Data IN$ITE Data and School Budgets NEASC Reports Local Needs Assessments

Problem or Solution? Improved student achievement leads to larger numbers of students graduating from high school.

New Standards Reference Examination Spring 2002 – All Students

The Problem Solving Process Heartland AEA, Johnston, Iowa Define the problem Develop a plan Implement the plan Evaluate the plan