Graduation - Providence Schools

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	Graduation Requirements for the classes of 2012 and 2013
	The Providence Public School District has a new graduation policy, which establishes a uniformly high standard for graduation for all students. Those requirements, however, have not changed for the classes of 2012 and 2013. Full implementation of the new graduation requirements that would impact the class of 2012 and beyond has been postponed by the state to apply to the class of 2014. This gives school districts, including Providence, needed time to ensure that we are providing the right supports for our students as they transition to meet these new standards.

	What are the current graduation requirements?
	– Students must earn a minimum of 20 credits in a College/Career Ready Course of Study (4 in English, 3 in Math, 3 in Science, 3 in Social Studies, 2 in World Language, 2 in Physical Education, .5 in Art, .5 in Technology, and 2 Electives).
	To further support college and career readiness for all students, all will be expected to complete the following, though these are not yet formal graduation requirements:
	– Students must complete comprehensive course assessments.
	– Students must reach partial proficiency on the 11th grade NECAP reading, writing and math tests (with Level 2 proficiency).
	– Students must successfully complete Senior Exhibition requirements.

	Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2014 and beyond
	There are five graduation requirements for the class of 2014. Students must complete 21 credits including 4 years of math, complete end-of-course assessments in core subjects, complete senior exhibition, and reach a level 2 (partially proficient) on the state assessment in reading and math.

	What will the new graduation requirements be?
	– Beginning with the class of 2014, students must earn a minimum of 21 credits (4 credits in Math, 4 in English, 3 in History, 3 in Science, 2 in Foreign Language, 2 Physical Education, .5 in Art, .5 in Technology, and 2 electives).
	– Students must select courses from a district-approved course of study.
	– Students must complete comprehensive course assessments.
	– Students must reach partial proficiency on the 11th grade NECAP reading, writing and math tests (with Level 2 proficiency).
	– Students must successfully complete Senior Exhibition requirements.

	The new graduation system will give students two pathways for graduation, dual enrollment opportunities, and the option to test out of World Language courses, access to expanded learning, internship/apprenticeship and virtual learning opportunities. Further, students will receive support, including individualized learning plans and advisory sessions. The common, non-rotating six-period schedule provides the structure to ensure students have access to enhanced learning opportunities, such as Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment and internship/ apprenticeship opportunities.
	The Providence School District high school diploma will represent a high standard of student learning based on rigorous curriculum content and instruction that will ensure that all students are ready to succeed in their chosen paths, whether it be college or the workforce. Our students deserve no less.

	Support for Students
	School Responsibilities
	Your child’s school is responsible for providing you and your child with clear information about the graduation requirements. In addition, the school is responsible for providing academic support and is required to contact you if your child is falling behind or is not on-track to graduate.

	Student Advisories: Trusting, Personal Support Settings
	Student advisories support students both academically and emotionally by giving them an opportunity to bond with a trusting adult in a small group setting. Advisory groups are comprised of 12-15 students that meet with the same adult advisor for 22 minutes a week in middle school and 40 minutes a week in high school. Advisory sessions are organized around common grade-level themes, resources and lessons.

	Individualized Learning Plans: Setting Goals to Meet Each Student’s Needs
	Individual learning plans (ILPs) must be developed for every student, beginning in the sixth grade. These plans allow teachers, students and parents to set student goals related to academics, career and other personal goals. Schools must review these plans with parents at the beginning of each year to make sure that students are on track.

	Tips to help your child succeed
	Families share responsibility for their child’s success. There are several important steps you can take immediately.

	Make sure that your child attends school every day, on time.

	Review your child’s grades and most recent state test results (NECAP). This will provide you with enough information to know if your child is on-track to graduate or falling behind.

	If your child scored at Level 1 (substantially below proficient in reading or math), contact your child’s guidance counselor to discuss his/her academic needs.

	Talk with your child about the graduation requirements. Make sure that you both understand the requirements and that you both know whether your child is on-track to graduate. Stay in constant contact with your child’s school to keep track of his/her performance.

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