Review RI HS Diploma System & Required ElementsDescription
It is necessary to review the state requirements for a High School Diploma System before developing a graduation portfolio system to ensure that the latter system complies with state mandates. Review the original Regents' regulations, specifically Section 5.0, as well as, the Initial Guidance on the Section 5.0 Graduation by Proficiency Component of the Regents' High School Regulations and all subsequent guidance and technical assistance bulletins.
Things to Consider
When reviewing the documents, be sure to cross-reference your local requirements with those elements required by the state. It may be helpful to list the state and local requirements and look for redundancy and gaps.
The state provides the minimum requirements for a graduation portfolio; your portfolio system may include other requirements such as community service. Keep in mind that the School-Wide Diploma Assessment (exhibition or graduation portfolio) does not have to demonstrate all of the required proficiencies; it is one assessment in your diploma system that allows students to demonstrate proficiency. It is important to communicate the role that your School-Wide Diploma Assessment (exhibition or graduation portfolio) plays in the larger diploma system.
Tools
Rhode Island Diploma System Overview
The Rhode Island Diploma System Overview explains the main requirements and elements of the Rhode Island Diploma System and describes the function of school-wide assessments (exhibitions or graduation portfolios), in the overall diploma system. Be sure to read over the entire document before making decisions about the role of portfolios in your district's/school's diploma system. The overview also includes information on resources that will provide some necessary supports as your school/district designs and implements a portfolio assessment.
Rhode Island Technical Assistance Bulletin
The Technical Assistance Bulletin fully describes the requirements of the Rhode Island Diploma System, including those for School-Wide Diploma Assessments such as exhibitions and graduation portfolios. This technical assistance bulletin will be useful to schools as they determine the components for their exhibition systems.
Required Graduation Portfolio Elements
This is a list of elements of a portfolio required by the Rhode Island Diploma System. Be sure to read the detailed descriptions of each of the required elements as well. It is important that all state requirements are met in your graduation portfolio system; if any are missing, your diploma system may be invalid.
