Review Course Taking PatternsDescription
Schools should collect and review student data to determine whether student course-taking patterns enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete an exhibition or graduation portfolio. This review should be done early and regularly to ensure that all students are given a fair opportunity to learn the content and skills necessary for graduation. Schools will be expected to include evidence that they have analyzed course-taking patterns as part of the 2005-2006 peer review process and subsequent commissioner's review.
Things to Consider
Course enrollment patterns should be reviewed for all programs and include all students in the high school. Course taking data should be disaggregated for different student subgroups to ensure equity of access and opportunity.
This curriculum mapping should not be limited to high schools. Elementary and middle schools should also provide multiple opportunities for students to build toward the knowledge and skills that will eventually be required for graduation from a Rhode Island high school.
Tools
Examining Course Enrollment Patterns for Student Access
This exercise is one way of reviewing student access to required knowledge and skills. You may adapt it to your own course-taking review process or use it as is. This exercise is part of the Nippentucket Bay High School case study developed by the Center for Assessment. It may be helpful to read the rest of the case study to put the course enrollment pattern review activity in context.
