June 2005

Dear Fellow Rhode Islanders:

The new Rhode Island Diploma System evolved directly from the Board of Regents' High-School Regulations of 2003. The Board of Regents believes that all Rhode Island high-school graduates should be able to demonstrate that they are proficient in standards-based content as well as applied-learning skills.

We on the Board of Regents have been working closely with our counterparts on the Board of Governors for Higher Education to develop what we call the "PK-16 Initiative." The goal is to help all our high-school graduates become college ready regardless of when, or even if, they choose to go to college. The graduationrequirements of all high schools in Rhode Island are being aligned with the admissions requirements for our public institutions of higher education.

Ultimately, we aim to achieve a seamless system, from preschool through college graduation, so that at each step in the education process our students are being prepared for success. The Regents' mission is to ensure that all our students achieve at the high levels needed to lead fulfilling and productive lives, to compete in academic and employment settings, and to contribute to society.

Sincerely,

James A. DiPrete

Chairman, RI Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education