Graduation is no longer based on just the number of specific Carnegie units a student completes. Now it is based on multiple measures and demonstrations of proficiency that are required of all students. All students must demonstrate proficiency through two of the following (chosen by their district/school): Graduation Portfolio, Exhibition (Senior Project), Certificate of Initial Mastery, and performance-based end-of-course exams. Schools can no longer differentiate their graduation requirements for different groups of students. All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the following core areas: English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, the fine arts (music, visual arts, theatre and dance), and technology.

Scituate High School’s diploma requirements, in order to meet Rhode Island’ s Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements for all students, includes acquiring 21 credits, completing a graduation portfolio, completing a Senior Project, and participating in Grade 11 state testing in Mathematics, English Language Arts and Science.

The diploma requirement will:

• Capitalize on student interest and career goals
• Involve the active use of knowledge (applied learning)
• Ensure commitment to a knowledge core and deep content knowledge
• Foster the integration and demonstration of learning from many disciplines

Students at Scituate High School will be required to successfully complete a minimum of 21 credits. A credit is earned by successfully completing any subject meeting four times a week for one year. Students must earn twenty-one (21) credits to receive a high school diploma. Of the twenty-one credits, eighteen (18) credits are required coursework: English (4 credits); Mathematics (4 credits); Science (3 credits); U. S. History (1 credit); Social Studies (2 credit); Physical Education (2 credits); Fine Arts (1 credit) and Health (1 credit). Any student who has not fulfilled the graduation requirements of Scituate High School will not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises unless granted special exception by the Scituate School Committee under extenuating circumstances.

Students at Scituate High School will be required to maintain a Graduation Portfolio that represents evidence of proficiency achieved in all academic areas and the school wide academic Learner Outcomes and Grade Span Expectations. This Graduation Portfolio may be hard copy or digital.

The Graduation Portfolio is composed of a sub-set of successful student work tied to the school’s Academic Expectations / Learner Outcomes. The student work is generated through the completion of department designed Course Proficiency Tasks. Students may also, if needed, submit evidence of learner outcome proficiency obtained outside of the regular coursework with permission of the Portfolio Review Committee. Students will be expected to include a written reflection for all of their evidence at the completion of each year, including one for each of their Course Proficiency Tasks. The Graduation Portfolio will be reviewed on a regular basis by the Advisors in the Advisory Program to ensure students are progressing through the process. Each department will also review student’s progress. Committees of teachers will assess of the Graduation Portfolio at the completion of the junior year.

Students at Scituate High School will be required to complete a Senior Project. Students and parents will receive a Senior Project Handbook.

The Senior Project demonstrates a Learning Stretch for students. It allows the student to explore a topic of his/her choice, demonstrating applied learning skills and making connections between school, work and community. The Senior Project includes completing an I-Search paper, working with a teacher or community mentor who specializes in the student’s field of interest, a product, and a presentation of that product before a panel of judges in April / May of the Senior Year. Students will have the responsibility of securing a community mentor.

All seniors will attend a Senior Seminar classes during Period 8 on Tuesdays. These classes will be conducted by Senior Seminar Leaders (teachers). The Senior Project Coordinator and Senior Seminar Leaders will supervise student progress during the Senior Year.

Students at Scituate High School will be required to participate in the Grade 11 state testing program. Students will take tests in Mathematics and English Language Arts (October) and in Science (May).

Yes, students have to achieve proficiency in six core areas required by the state of Rhode Island:

• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Fine Arts
• Technology

Each related academic department is determining specific proficiencies to meet the state requirements. These departments will establish guidelines to ensure students are progressing at a steady pace. The proficiencies will be embedded within the departmental Course Proficiency Tasks.

In addition to the six core areas, all students in Rhode Island must also demonstrate achievement of their school’s Learner Outcomes and Grade Span Expectations. These Learner Outcomes and Grade Span Expectations are embedded in all course work at Scituate High School. Students will be expected to complete Course Proficiency Tasks for each course they take. Course Proficiency Task requirements will be included in the Program of Studies and on the school’s web site.

All students are expected to meet proficiency. Students with special needs will receive appropriate support and accommodations. In instances where students with disabilities are not demonstrating proficiency, the school district will be responsible for providing continuing education until the student has demonstrated proficiency to receive the diploma or until the student becomes twenty-one (21) years of age.

Yes, as long as those experiences provide evidence of meeting established learner outcomes and proficiencies.

Students must include evidence of proficient work in all of the Learner Outcomes. At least two successfully completed Course Proficiency Tasks from each class the student takes must be included in the portfolio. A single Course Proficiency Task may be used to meet multiple Learner Outcomes.

Teachers will assess the student work using establish school-wide rubrics and will tell the student when it is ready to be included in the Graduation Portfolio.

The students’ teachers determine the Course Proficiency Tasks that students will complete. For other evidence, the students must receive permission from the appropriate academic department. Advisors in the Advisory Program will periodically review with his / her Graduation Portfolio to ensure that the student is progressing satisfactorily in meeting requirements.

Students will be introduced to Senior Project during the Fourth Quarter of the junior year through the Advisory Program. The specifics regarding Senior Project will be detailed in the Senior Project Handbook. Seniors will attend Senior Seminar classes during which they will be instructed on the requirements for completing a Senior Project. This work will continue throughout the senior year.