PARENTS

You can make a huge difference.

Beginning with the class of 2008, all Rhode Island public high school students must successfully complete a rigorous diploma process that demonstrates their proficiency in core content knowledge and applied learning skills prior to graduation. Additionally, all public schools must employ a variety of support structures to help students complete the process.

It is critical that you, as a parent, actively support your child as he or she completes the new Rhode Island High School Diploma System. While students can complete many of the system's requirements on their own, your support and encouragement make the graduation process significantly easier and less stressful for both your child and you. By staying actively involved and informed, you will help your child succeed and graduate on time, with a strong learning foundation.

• Why was this new system put into place?
• What are the Rhode Island High School Diploma System requirements? To earn his or her high school diploma, each student must:
• How and when was the new diploma system developed?
• What are the requirements for Rhode Island public schools?
• How will we ensure that the diploma system is implemented successfully and fairly?

Why was this new system put into place?

The new high school diploma system was developed in response to concerns from colleges and employers that high school graduates — even those who performed well in courses and on tests — were not always well prepared for college and work. To succeed after high school, students must think creatively, solve problems, work in groups, speak in public, and apply what they have learned in real-world situations. The mission of the diploma system is to ensure that all students can compete in academic and employment settings, and can contribute to society.

What are the Rhode Island High School Diploma System requirements?
To earn his or her high school diploma, each student must:

• demonstrate proficiency in six core areas by applying skills and knowledge at a rigorous level. The six areas are English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and technology.
• successfully complete two of the four following performance-based diploma assessments: exhibition, comprehensive course assessments, graduation portfolio, and certificate of initial mastery. Each assessment is designed around the student's own interests or passions. (This varies depending on the school district; see your child's high school's website to see what is required there.)
• successfully complete a minimum of 20 courses, including four years of English, four years of mathematics (the fourth year may be a mathematics-related course), three years of science, and three years of history or social studies.
• participate in statewide assessments, which are based on the New England Common Assessment Program.
• attain a score of "partially proficient" or better on the English and mathematics assessments (beginning with the Class of 2012). Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency by retaking the state tests, passing other tests, or submitting other evidence of proficiency.

Schools must develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that assists in the students' development of career, academic, and social goals. The ILP requires parent participation.

How and when was the new diploma system developed?

2000

The Board of Regents, RIDE (Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), and state-level partners evaluated the state's graduation requirements and high school standards. Schools were evaluated based on information from standardized tests, classroom assessments, and projects that demonstrated applied learning. The Board concluded:

• Many students fell below grade level in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Significant differences existed in what students knew and could do.
• Schools were not meeting students' individual needs.
• Rhode Island high schools did not adequately prepare students to meet the demands of college and work, and did not prepare them to be contributing members of society.

2003

Regents' high school regulations established the foundation for the new diploma system.

2007

New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) developed the new standardized test to evaluate students on a broader range of content.

June 2008

Rhode Island high schools graduate the first class to benefit from the implementation of the state's high school diploma system.

September 2008

Board of Regents amends the Secondary School Regulations so as to add greater clarity regarding the graduation requirements, extend the force of the regulations to middle schools, provide increased support to students by requiring Individual Learning Plans for all students and Personal Literacy Plans and mathematics support for students performing below grade level, and increasing the significance of state tests as one of the graduation requirements. Beginning with the Class of 2012, students will have to achieve a score of "partially proficient" or better on the English and mathematics tests.

What are the requirements for Rhode Island public schools?

Students aren't the only ones who have to meet requirements for the new high school diploma system. Each high school must:

• ensure that each entering freshman has an Individual Learning Plan that documents the student’s interests, needs, supports, course selections, and a program that will lead to graduation
• develop alternate pathways for students entering the 9th grade who are not on course to complete the proficiency-based graduation requirements
• develop a scaffolded adolescent literacy program that includes personal literacy plans (PLPs) for any student not reading on grade level;
• provide multiple and varied assessments for all students;
• provide supports to students who are not making progress in mathematics
• provide appropriate accommodations for learning English and for students with disabilities;
• ensure that every student is well known by at least one adult in the educational community;
• communicate the graduation requirements to parents and the community
• develop a graduation system that allows students to have multiple opportunities to achieve the passing score on the state assessments and to submit other evidence of proficiency if they do not achieve the passing score
• provide the necessary professional development and common planning time for all educators in the school
• by 2012, have in place a diploma system that has been approved by the Commissioner of Education

How will we ensure that the diploma system is implemented successfully and fairly?

All diploma systems and graduation requirements must be approved by the Commissioner of Education by 2012. To attain this approval, each school district must demonstrate that all students have been provided with the appropriate supports, that courses in the district are aligned with state standards, and that the district has met all of the requirements of the Regents' Regulations regarding the Rhode Island Diploma System.