Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements





Beginning with the class of 2008, the Department of Education made changes to the graduation requirements to include demonstration of proficiency based learning. Proficiency may be defined differently across curriculums. The development of Rhode Island's Grade Span Expectations (GSEs), was the first and foremost critical step toward clarifying what is intended by proficiency. The Regents' Regulations for High Schools require that schools restructure their programs to focus on preparing all students to be ready for post secondary choices whether it is college, technical school, or the workplace by providing educational experiences for all students centered on a rigorous and relevant curriculum.

Middletown High School Graduation Requirements:

I. Course Requirements II. Meet or exceed standard on a Capstone Project
The Capstone Project is an opportunity for a student to investigate a complex issue in an area of his or her interest. The student's work in this area is designed to parallel the kinds of learning and application of skills that effective adults use to solve real problems. The Capstone is an individual project requiring a student to simultaneously demonstrate that he or she has mastered deep content knowledge and the habits of thinking that are expected of a graduate of MHS. The student will design a Capstone Project based upon the A1 Problem Solving Standard. That is the student will either: (1) Design a product, service or system, (2) Improve a system or (3) Put on an event or an activity. In addition, a student will choose other applied learning standards to meet as well as content standards. The capstone project is also a component of a CIM (Certificate of Initial Mastery - A MHS diploma endorsement.) A student may receive college credit at Rhode Island College upon successful completion of the Certificate of Initial Mastery. A student must register in advance and pay the course fee to receive the 3 college credits. A student who completes the CIM has satisified graduation by proficiency and is exempt from the graduation portfolio.
*Read more about MHS Certificate of Initial Mastery diploma endorsement

III. Meet or exceed Standard on a student created Portfolio
A Graduation Portfolio is a collection of evidence demonstrating that a student has the skills and knowledge expected of any graduate from that school. Students collect work from their courses and learning experiences/ activities over four years and then choose a subset of those entries that best reflects their learning and demonstrates a defined set of proficiencies. These proficiencies are based upon the 5 Academic Learning Expectations in the MHS mission statement. The graduation portfolio includes:

(1) Valid and reliable evidence that meets school wide expectations. This evidence is derived from completed classroom assignments that have been deemed portfolio worthy.
(2) Sufficient number and types of entries to demonstrate proficiencies are required across the core areas (Math, English, Science, Social Studies, the Arts and Technology) demonstrating application of content knowledge and skills. The portfolio must also contain entries demonstrating each of the applied learning skills: (communication, problem solving, critical thinking, research, social/ personal responsibility.)

IV. 20 Hours Community Service Learning & required reflective assignments
Read more about the MHS Community Service Learning Program - Youth Engaged in Service
All students beginning with the Class of 2008 must complete 20 hours of Community Service Learning in order to graduate and complete a reflective essay. A student can complete their hours by serving their family, neighborhood, school, community or in a non-profit agency. For many community organizations, students augment service delivery, meet crucial human needs, and provide a basis for future citizen support. For students, community service is an opportunity to enrich and apply classroom knowledge; develop civic and cultural literacy; and enhance personal growth.