BHDDH, RIDOH, RIDE, 2018
The Rhode Island Student Survey (RISS) is a collaboration among the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (RI BHDDH), the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). The RISS is a risk and prevalence survey for youth in middle and high school. A risk and prevalence survey looks at set of factors or conditions to which youth may be exposed that are associated with negative behavioral health outcomes and the extent to which youth may report engaging in problem behavior. It explores substance use, bullying, depression, suicide and violence. The RISS, which is one of the three State agency surveys, is administered every other year to Rhode Island public high and middle schools. In 2018 the RISS was administered in 25 school districts throughout Rhode Island and completed by 22, 294 students. The intention and purpose of the RISS is to identify areas where there are strengths that can be built upon and to put additional resources to those areas that need improvement. The data is reviewed in aggregate, not at the individual level. The data is not meant to identify individuals. There are other surveys administered in schools but most do NOT allow for the ability to analyze data at the school district or community level. This data is crucial for planning prevention services especially when resources are so scarce.
