Reviewing the description of the Rhode Island Diploma System will provide background information and help to define the role of the graduation portfolio as one way a student demonstrates proficiency for graduation. Before developing a graduation portfolio system, it is necessary to review the state required elements for graduation portfolios.
School Expectations for Student Learning should also be reviewed to determine how the elements of the graduation portfolio enable students to demonstrate proficiency. School support structures must also be reviewed to ensure that students have the support necessary to successfully complete a graduation portfolio.
In designing the components of a graduation portfolio system, it is important to research and evaluate current systems as models or resources. The school curriculum should be reviewed for tasks that are appropriate for inclusion in a graduation portfolio. A plan must also be developed for collecting and storing the entries that students submit for evaluation and inclusion in the graduation portfolio.
When designing a graduation portfolio system a school might do the following:
- Research and evaluate current systems
- Look for resources on the web
- Seek opportunities to apply for grants that will support the work necessary for designing the system by providing common planning time, teacher substitutes, etc.
The required elements of the Rhode Island Diploma System must be reviewed and included in a school's set of requirements for the graduation portfolio. Missing elements may invalidate a school's diploma system and unfairly jeopardize students' meeting proficiency for graduation. The overall design of the graduation portfolio and the necessary school support structures must be determined as soon as possible to allow the maximum time and opportunities for students to collect entries and successfully complete their portfolios as part of their graduation requirements.
