A Proven Framework
Evidence2Success is rooted in a simple premise: Making decisions based on data and evidence = smarter investments on behalf of children and families.
In 2012, Providence, Rhode Island, became the first site to adopt the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Evidence2Success framework. This report circles back — and offers an early look — at how the framework has unfolded and what lessons local leaders have learned along the way.
The Youth Experience Survey results were clear: Chronic absenteeism was a major issue in Providence schools. One in every two high-school students surveyed reported missing at least 10% of the school year. In response, Evidence2Success leaders enacted a program called Positive Action, which aims to spark learning and cooperation while reducing negative behavior among kids. The good news? The program appears to be working. In Positive Action schools, the rate of chronic absenteeism has dropped by 5%. And in city schools where the program isn't active, chronic absenteeism has increased by 5% over the same span of time.