RICAS

As you may know, RI made significant changes to the State Assessment system. PARCC was replaced by "RICAS" which was  purchased from Massachusetts, who uses the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) to measure student achievement in English Language Arts and mathematics. Massachusetts has been implementing the MCAS assessment for over twenty years. In late November, districts received assessment results from the first RICAS administration, and North Smithfield students scored well above the state average in both ELA and mathematics. However, there is significant room for improvement.

​We are in the process of analyzing data and making adjustments to curriculum and instruction based on the results. One particular area of note is that North Smithfield ranked #1 in average student growth in both ELA and mathematics compared to all other districts. We are making progress at a faster rate due to the emphasis on standards-based instruction, using assessment data to inform instruction, and building a system and structure of intervention. This work is possible due to the commitment of our teachers that are in the trenches doing the everyday work that engages students in rigorous learning activities grounded in clearly defined standards.

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