North Providence High School students bettered proficiencies in all four areas of testing and measurement, according to the 2011 New England Common Assessment Program tests scores released by the Rhode Island Department of Education Friday, Feb. 10.
– Writing 67 percent proficient, an increase of 4 percent; statewide, 51 percent, stayed the same.
– Reading 84 percent proficient, an increase of 2 percent; statewide, 76 percent, stayed the same.
– Math 22 percent proficient, an increased of 1 percent; state wide, 30 percent, decreased 3 percent.

Notably the graduation rate was 93 percent in 2011, a 13 percent increase. Statewide the graduation rate increased 1 percent to 77 percent.

NPHS Principal Joseph Goho told The Breeze Friday, "As you can see, all 4 indicators increased at NPHS in 2011. In addition, we went up 8 points in NECAP science, so we really are 5 for 5, having increased in all areas.

"Commissioner (Deborah) Gist singled out NPHS for our impressive 13 percent gain in the graduation rate which now is at 93 percent which places us third in the state behind only Barrington (97 percent) and East Greenwich (95 percent) and tied with Foster-Glocester. The commissioner expanded her comments to say that in all of her visits to North Providence, she is so impressed with our school’s climate, and 'everything you do as a school community to prepare all of your students for graduation readiness.' ”

Goho added, "Unlike specific results in content areas, the graduation rate reflects success by every single teacher, staff member, and administrator in this building. Clearly an increase of 13 percent is outstanding, but more astoundingly, as an urban ring community, with changed demographics, it is a phenomenal accomplishment to have a graduation rate on par with and exceeding the most affluent communities in the state. It is not an accident or coincidence. It is a true reflection of the personalized culture that is embedded here which positively impacts every student."