TEACHERS
As you know, 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.
The success of the new Rhode Island High School Diploma System is directly linked to you, our teachers. That might seem obvious, but it is not taken for granted.
The diploma system is an aggressive undertaking requiring more time from educators, and there are questions as to whether it is another "fad" that will eventually go away. In reality, all parts of the public school education administration — the governor and RIDE, with the active support of RIBHE, RIHEAA, and AICU-RI — are 100% committed to making this new system work and last. It is vital to the future of our students and our state. But it will only be successful with enthusiastic support from all teachers.
Be assured that RIDE is ready to assist in any way possible. Implementation of the new diploma system won’t happen over night, and some school systems will need more help than others. Lines of communication must remain open, so we see what works and what doesn’t, and adjust the program accordingly. The governor’s high school visits are providing valuable insights, and there already are great success stories. We are very encouraged by the momentum that is building, and are grateful for your continuing support and contributions. The high school diploma system is a team effort. Together, we will make this a success.
- 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 were the new diploma requirements developed?
- What are the requirements for Rhode Island public schools?
- How will we ensure that the diploma system is implemented successfully and fairly?
- Do the new Regents' Regulations put in place any new requirements for teachers?
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.
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 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.
The Board of Regents, RIDE, 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.
Regents' high school regulations established the foundation for the new diploma system.
New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) developed the new standardized test to evaluate students on a broader range of content.
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
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.
Yes. The amended Regulations of 2008 require that all certified educators in middle school and high school participate in at least 15 hours annually of professional development, focused on literacy, numeracy, graduation by proficiency, and personalization. In addition, all middle schools and high schools must require additional (as of 2008-09) weekly sessions of common planning time of at least 30 minutes per session. By 2012, high schools must require at least two weekly sessions of common planning time, and middle schools must require at least four weekly sessions.
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LINKS:
Still have questions? Here are a few links to check out for more information.
- RIDE requirements - Read about the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements.
- waytogori.org - Rhode Island's source for college and career planning (links to waytogori.org)
- high school sites - Visit specific Rhode Island high school sites.