Segue’s 8th-grade and Hispanic students outperform state average

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) recently released the results of the first administration of the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS).

This statewide assessment of literacy and mathematics was administered in the spring of 2018. As a school serving only grades six through eight during the 2017-2018 school year, the Segue Institute for Learning’s results reflect the performance of its entire student body.

The 2018 RICAS results show that 27% of Segue scholars met or exceeded expectations in literacy (34% in RI) and 13% of Segue scholars met or exceeded expectations in math (27%).

When examined by grade level, Segue’s eighth-grade students outperformed the state average in literacy (35% vs. 28%). When examined by subgroup, Segue’s scholars identified as Hispanic outperformed the state average in literacy by ten percentage points (28% vs. 18%).

While Segue’s overall RICAS proficiency in math and literacy falls below the state average, Segue scholars continue to demonstrate growth in these areas. With an average student growth percentile (SGP) of 63, Segue posts the third highest average SGP in the state for literacy. Similarly, with an average SGP of 57, Segue posts the seventh highest average SGP in the state for math.

As a district, 50% of Segue’s scholars demonstrated ‘High Growth’ in literacy, with 41% demonstrating ‘High Growth’ in math.

Of note, 51% of Segue’s Hispanic students demonstrated ‘High Growth’, while only 26% of Hispanic students across the state did the same.

Additionally, 52% of Segue’s scholars designated as students with disabilities demonstrated ‘High Growth’, while across the state 25% of students with disabilities did the same.

As a baseline year, these results provide an additional analysis of Segue’s performance.

In recent years, Segue has continued to make strides in innovative practices, including school-wide curriculum redesign, collaborative lesson tuning, data use, targeted math and literacy interventions, and social/emotional learning, adopting only evidence-based programs and models.

“We look forward to further analysis of these results to continue to improve and refine our practice to ensure academic success for all scholars,” said Melissa Lourenco, M. Ed., Head of Middle School. "Segue leadership is very pleased that RIDE is also looking closer at data to see how we can improve both outcomes for students and teaching practices in support of educators."

About the Segue Institute for Learning

Segue’s student body mirrors that of the Central Falls public schools with an 87% bilingual population (dominantly Spanish-speaking) and 85% eligibility for free or reduced lunches. Since the school opened, ninety percent of Segue graduates do not return to the traditional public school, instead practice their choice of attending alternative settings from an extensive menu of high schools.

Founded in 2006 and opened in 2009, Segue Institute for Learning features high academic rigor, small class sizes, individualized attention, strong board and parental involvement, and intensive community partnerships.

The school was conceived by people who grew up, currently reside in, or have significant ties to the Central Falls community. Segue recognizes its students as "AT PROMISE" versus being considered "AT RISK".

Segue, selected as the 2013-2014 RIASCD Whole Child Recognition School, helps students achieve academic excellence and be better prepared for high school, college, and the work force.

For more information, call 401-721-0964 or visit www.segueifl.org.