Smithfield High Principal Notes NECAP Score Improvements

Smithfield High School's scores on the state assessment (NECAP) have improved dramatically in math and reading, according to Daniel Kelley, SHS principal.

“I am extremely proud of the students, teachers, and staff at the high school,"  Kelley said. Everyone has worked hard to improve their performance and I couldn’t be happier with the result."   

Fifty-nine percent of the junior class demonstrated proficiency in math, 93 percent were proficient in reading, and 53 percent were proficient in writing.  Smithfield High School had the largest gain across the state in math, showing a 23 percent improvement. 

“The Class of 2014 is the first group of students to experience a full three years of support and interventions.  Coupled with improved data analysis, extra time focused on math remediation, and structural changes to the schedule, we have provided a much more focused support system for struggling math students,” said Kelley.

Since the 2008/2009 school year, the high school has implemented the following:

• NECAP Item Analysis
• Daily NECAP warm up problems
• Addition of numeracy classes for struggling math students
• Implementation of Study Island online math program
• Heterogeneous grouping of students
• Addition of school wide progress monitoring system
• Clear communication to students and parents explaining the role of the state assessment in the graduation decision.   

This year marks the first time that NECAP results are one factor in the graduation decision for the Class of 2014.  Students falling below “partial proficiency (2)” will receive intensive support and instruction to help them succeed during a retest in their senior year.

“We all are committed to ensuring that our Smithfield High School graduates have the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in post secondary education and in challenging careers. The Rhode Island Diploma System is designed to maintain a high standard for graduation and to ensure that schools provide all students with adequate support and with multiple opportunities to meet the graduation requirements, including successful completion of statewide assessments,”  Kelley said.