Survey: R.I. residents want schools to prep students for success

R.I. EDUCATION COMMISSIONER Deborah A. Gist said the survey may be completed, but officials remain committed to engaging Rhode Islanders is an on-going community discussion about public education. / COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
R.I. EDUCATION COMMISSIONER Deborah A. Gist said the survey may be completed, but officials remain committed to engaging Rhode Islanders is an on-going community discussion about public education. / COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

PROVIDENCE – A statewide survey on public education garnered 10,150 responses, with the majority of Rhode Islanders indicating that the most important purposes of public education are preparing every student for future economic success, and ensuring they have basic academic skills.
The next two most important purposes, according to the R.I. Department of Education, are supporting and developing the future workforce of Rhode Island, and creating global citizens.
The findings are the results of the statewide survey that closed Dec. 31. It was launched by the state Board of Education, Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and the R.I. Department of Education in October.
“I am very pleased that we have surpassed our goal of 10,000 survey responses, and I want to thank the Rhode Islanders who helped us get out the word on this survey and who took the time to thoughtfully respond,” Eva-Marie Mancuso, chair of the Board of Education, said in a statement. “I am confident that the survey results will help to ensure that our next strategic plan – our vision for the year 2020 – will be a plan of, by, and for all Rhode Islanders.”
Suvey results will be used during the development of a new strategic plan for Rhode Island public education. The plan will establish a vision for public education over the next five years. The plan is expected to be presented to the board and council for approval in June.
Said Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist, “The survey is completed, but we remain committed to engaging Rhode Islanders is an on-going community discussion about public education … I am confident that the plan this team develops will guide our work and inspire us as we continue to transform education in Rhode Island.”
Rhode Islanders who responded to the survey believe that the most important skills students should learn before graduating from high school are communications, problem-solving, basic academic skills, and creativity or innovation.
Survey respondents cited the quality of teaching and a challenging academic program were what they valued most in a public school, followed closely by physical safety and a caring environment.
More than 80 percent of respondents believe that the quality of public schools is “of the highest importance” to the success of Rhode Island as a state. The majority of respondents have a positive impression of Rhode Island public schools (48 percent believe the schools have “more strengths than weaknesses” and 12 percent believe “they have many strengths.”)
A preliminary report on the survey is posted on the RIDE website HERE.

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