NEASC Awards EPHS Continued Accreditation in Positive Report

East Providence High School received good news from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), Commission on Public Schools regarding accreditation.  In a December 17, 2024, letter to Principal William Black, the commission wrote, in part; “At its October 27-28, 2024, meeting, (the commission) reviewed the Decennial Accreditation Report from the recent visit to East Providence High School and voted to award the school continued Accreditation in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.  The Commission was impressed with the progress made on the Priority Areas for Growth and increased alignment with the Principles of Effective Practice since the time of the Collaborative Conference Visit and wishes to commend the following:

• The creation of a draft vision of the graduate that includes proposed transferable skills, knowledge, understandings, and dispositions necessary for future success

• The consistent application of consequences for inappropriate student behavior, proportionate to the severity of the conduct, as outlined in the student handbook

• The social consequences activated when a student is absent, tardy, or dismissed early more than six times per quarter

• The positive relationship among teachers and the fostering of a positive school culture created by the What I Need (WIN) program

• The year-long initiative on leading for learning, ensuring administrators and faculty members share a common understanding of effective learning aligned with the district’s strategic plan

• The written curricula for all departments that include units of study, guiding/essential questions, content, and common assessments

• The variety of elective courses and career training opportunities offered through the career and technical center

• The use of technology to purposefully organize group learning through virtual breakout rooms that afford students collaborative learning opportunities

• The pervasive sense of community spirit and “Townie Pride” that defines respectful and inclusive interactions among students and staff

• The safe school environment that supports equity in identity and thought
• the dedication, commitment, and responsiveness of teachers who go above and beyond to support their students

• The school’s dedication to students and its growth mindset in creatively using time and resources

• The leadership team's commitment to building leadership capacity among faculty members, staff members, and students

The NEASC report went on to release the following information to school officials: “The Commission was pleased to note that the school meets all eight Foundational Elements in the Standards for Accreditation.  The Commission requests a First Report of Progress and Planning by October 1, 2025. This report will inquire about the school’s alignment with the Foundational Elements, ask the school to list exemplary practices, and request a copy of the school’s revised School Growth/Improvement Plan based on the Next Steps provided by the visiting team for each of the Priority Areas for Growth. The Commission congratulates the school administration and faculty for completing the first two phases of the Accreditation Process: the Self-Reflection and the Decennial Accreditation Visit.

The next step will be the Follow-Up Process, during which the school will continue to implement a School Growth/Improvement Plan based on the school’s Priority Areas aligned with the Standards for Accreditation and report progress toward implementing those priorities. The Commission's Follow-Up Seminars should help you and your faculty develop a schedule for implementing your Growth/Improvement Plan. In addition, the Commission's website includes information on Follow- Up procedures. The school's Accreditation status will be reviewed when the Commission considers the First Report of Progress and Planning.”  The report was signed by NEASC officials, Alyson M. Geary and Francis Kennedy.  “I am happy for our hard-working faculty, students and all staff who are constantly working to make East Providence the best high school.  We will continue to be diligent in serving our students,” said Principal Bill Black.