CENTRAL FALLS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA SYSTEM POLICY

Based on: The Rhode Island High School Diploma System

The Rationale: Schools must be sure that all students successfully complete a rigorous diploma program that gives them access to college or post-secondary training, whether immediately after high school or when and if they so choose.

Defining Proficiency for the RI High School Diploma System:

Proficient performance for graduation in each of the six core content academic areas is defined as the level of performance required of all students receiving a high school diploma. A general description of proficiency for graduation includes the following:

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The following Graduation/Diploma requirements will take effect with the

Class of 2008 and subsequent classes :

• Completion of an acceptable Graduation Portfolio
• Completion of Performance-Based Comprehensive Course Assessments (CCA)
• Successful completion of Twenty-five (25) Credits
• Participation in Grade 11 State Testing ( New England Common Assessment Program - NECAP)

STATE REQUIREMENT : Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements

As mandated by the State of Rhode Island, the faculty at Central Falls High School took careful consideration in choosing the following two methods for students to successfully demonstrate applied learning:  

# 1 Portfolio Requirement:

Students must have a graduation portfolio demonstrating a proficiency of specific skills and competencies in order to receive a high school diploma. School-wide and department guidelines have been developed by grade for the portfolio requirements as described in the CFHS Portfolio Handbook. Throughout each school year, students and teachers will work collaboratively to assemble a portfolio of student work for their graduation portfolio. The graduation portfolio will contain a student’s “best work” as it relates to Central Falls High School’s Learner Outcomes and RIDE determined Grade Span Expectations (GSE’s). Academic credits alone are no longer sufficient for graduation purposes.

# 2 Comprehensive Course Assessments Requirement:

All students are required to take comprehensive course assessments for each course at some point during each semester. These assessments will be at least 50% performance based and will be commonly scored. Material covered in these comprehensive course assessments will be a culmination of the material taught in each course and will be assessed using a rubric developed and scored collectively by teachers.

While students may pass a course without showing proficiency in the comprehensive course assessment, they will not be allowed to graduate until they have shown proficiency in the comprehensive course assessments related to the Grade 10 GSEs.

STATE REQUIREMENT : Proficiency in core content knowledge

A minimum of 25 credits is required for graduation as specified below. Course credits are based on daily work, portfolio tasks and comprehensive course assessments. Central Falls High School’s core content requirements for graduation are as follows:

SUBJECT NUMBER OF CREDITS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE

2008

English 4

Science 3

Mathematics 3*

Social Studies 3

Health & Phys Ed 2

Arts 2

Keyboarding/Portfolio 1

Electives 7**

Total 25

* 4 th year Math or Math-related credit required

** Three (3) of the seven (7) electives must be a combination of Applied Technology, Business Technology, and/or Foreign Language courses.

STATE REQUIREMENT: Participation in Grade 11 State NECAP Testing

• All students must participate in the state assessments for English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science
• Each student’s results from NECAP tests will count toward graduation, but never enough to prevent a student from graduating.
• Students unsuccessful on the state assessments will have ample opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in all core subjects, using evidence-based proofs of proficiency, like course assessments, projects, portfolios, and performances  

TRANSFERS & GRADUATION APPEALS

TRANSFERS

In order to receive a Central Falls High School diploma, students who transfer from another school or another country, or have any other extenuating circumstances, will have their transcripts reviewed to determine if any modifications in course, grade level, credit, or PBGR requirements are warranted.

APPEALS

Portfolio Appeal Process:

“…a student that fails his/her graduation portfolio must be offered an opportunity to redo the component(s) that were failed. However, if a school has done all it can to support the student, has offered the student multiple opportunities to learn and practice his/her skills, has communicated clearly and carefully with all advisors, mentors, parents/guardians, has provided an opportunity to resubmit failed elements, and the student still does not pass, the student’s diploma shall be withheld.”

The Rhode Island Department of Education, Portfolio Toolkit

The student has the right to appeal the decision of the Graduation Portfolio Review Committee (GPRC). As the portfolio is a demonstration of proficiency of the Central Falls High School Learner Outcomes and RIDE determined GSE’s, any student who does not possess a completed, acceptable portfolio will not receive their high school diploma regardless of how many academic credits they have earned.

The student has the right to appeal the decision of the GPRC if they feel their portfolio meets the school’s requirements set forth in the handbook. To appeal the decision of the GPRC the student must submit a formal letter to the portfolio coordinator and the principal in support of their appeal.

Graduation Appeal Process:

Graduation appeal decisions shall be the responsibility of the principal in consultation with members of the professional staff including guidance counselors. Parents will be notified of graduate/non-graduate status. Parents may appeal the graduate/non-graduate status by submitting a written request for a hearing with the principal and appropriate staff. Results of the hearing may then be appealed through a written request for another hearing with the superintendent of schools