11/26/2005
Coventry and E-WG honored as RI's leading high-schools
By NICOLE WIETRAK

The recognition, awarded to 14 high schools in 11 districts across the state, stems from studennts' high test scores in both English language arts (ELA) and mathematics.

"This is very good news for us, especially since it is coming two years in a row," said Assistant Supt. of Coventry Public Schools Dr. Vincent J. Hawkins.

Hawkins explained that Coventry High School exceeded the criteria set for the ELA and mathematics tests and that they are also making great strides toward reaching the proficiency scores for 2112.

"Right now we're at 86 percent proficiency for ELA, the goal for 2112 being 87.4. In math, we're at 80 percent, with the 2112 goal at 81.6 percent, so we're very close," said Hawkins.

Hawkins said that while the target percentages are obtainable, he is hoping to exceed those numbers next year.

"What it comes down to is excellent teaching," he said and commended the high school's faculty for their outstanding achievements during the last two years.

There is also a great emphasis placed on pushing the students to excel in all of their subjects, not solely in math and English, which Hawkins believes goes hand in hand with the high test scores.

"It's about making the kids stretch and do some deep thinking about what is being presented to them," said Hawkins.

Above all else, Hawkins feels a great sense of pride in the high school's teachers, administrators and students.

"I'm very proud of that school, I really am. To be doing this well is really a credit to all the work being done."

Exeter-West Greenwich Supt. of Schools Dr. Roy M. Seitsinger also expressed his satisfaction with the special honor.

"I feel very proud and pleased with the work the entire school community has done to move to where it is, which is in the high performing category," he said.

Seitsinger agrees with Hawkins that with these high test scores comes the need to not only maintain, but also to revise and improve the programs already in place.

"This hard work needs to continue as well as continuing to support student endeavors," he said.

For the first time ever, Rhode Island has raised the target levels that all schools must meet in order to make "adequate yearly progress" (AYP) as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act.

"The bar is a moving target, it's always being raised," said Seitsinger.

Even so, the two schools were able to achieve that level of improvement and plan on continuing to do so, with an expected proficiency score of 100 percent by 2114.

Seitsinger credited the school's success to many aspects, but highlighted that it was the seriousness with which the students approached their work that pushed them over the top.

"Those kids work harder and harder every year," he said proudly.