8000 High School Graduation Requirements
Middletown
Policy
Middletown Public Schools No. 8000
High School Graduation Requirements
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
PHILOSOPHY & INTENT
The Middletown Public Schools are committed to providing a comprehensive high school diploma system which enables all students to achieve proficiency in rigorous academic and applied learning standards. Proficiencies in academic, social, and civic areas shall be based on the Middletown High School Student Learning Expectations. The requirements for a Middletown High School diploma shall be as set by the School Committee and published annually in the High School’s Program of Studies. Such requirements shall be consistent with Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Regulations.
Graduation by proficiency is based on mutual, shared accountability. The school district is accountable for providing an educational program designed to give all students multiple and varied opportunities to demonstrate proficiency. Students are accountable for participation in, and completion of, their program. To that end, all students in Middletown shall have access to rigorous curriculum and instruction, as well as scaffolded support, designed to achieve proficiency as shall be required of them to graduate.
REQUIREMENTS__**
Academic Requirements
Students will need to successfully complete the following course credits in the designated content areas: (1 course credit = a full year of study)
For the Class of 202____6 and each successive class
English 4 credits
Mathematics 4 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Science 3 credits
Technology/Engineering ½ credit
Phys Education 2 credits (4, ½ year courses)
Health 1 credit (2, ½ year courses)
Unified Arts ½ credits
For the Class of 2028 and beyond, students will need to complete the additional graduation requirements:
Social Studies 3.5 credits, to include .5 Civics course
2 years of a World Language for a College Readiness Pathway Diploma
Algebra 2 for a College Readiness Pathway
OR
Parents must sign consent for a Career Readiness Pathway Diploma
A Career Readiness Pathway Diploma waives the World Language and/or Algebra 2 requirement.
In doing so, the parent acknowledges that the Career Pathway Diploma will not meet the college admissions criteria for state institutions.
Personalized Learning Courses 5.5 credits
Total: 24 credits
Community Service Requirements:__**
All students will complete 20 hours of approved community service learning. Students must also successfully complete all required reflective writings based upon their community service.
Proficiency-Based Requirements__**
1. All students will successfully complete a Capstone Project, which is an exhibition based on student choice that involves independent research, problem solving, and a written and oral presentation before a panel. Successful completion will be a demonstration of proficiency in four applied learning standards and the standards in at least one content area. The target year for Capstone Project will be the senior year.
2. All students in the class will successfully complete an electronic Graduation Portfolio, which contains acceptable entries from all content areas. The entire Graduation Portfolio shall document evidence that the student has demonstrated proficiency in each of the MHS Student Learning Expectations (SLEs).
All Middletown High School students will
1. Exhibit content mastery by showing proficiency on identified learning targets in every course.
2. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats; reading, writing, speaking and listening.
3. Research and critically analyze in order to create new understanding both independently and collaboratively.
4. Think critically, creatively and effectively in order to solve real world problems.
5. Apply learning behaviors that are conducive to achieving individual and group goals; such as time management, high level questioning, persistence, responsibility and active participation.
6. Understand and contribute to the community and global society as a responsible citizen.
7. Apply technology skills to access, analyze and interpret information and communicate findings to various audiences.
8. Empower their own learning by setting short and long-term goals, monitoring progress towards goals and reflecting on successes and improvements in order to be college and career ready.
Individualized Learning Plan Requirement
All students will successfully complete an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP). All ILP's will be shared with advisory teachers and parents throughout the school year. ILP's will be completed during advisory time and will be linked to the Comprehensive Guidance Program's goals. The ILP will document the students goal setting, survey results, course planning/selection, and readiness for transition into college or career.
COUNCIL DESIGNATIONS
Beginning with the MHS class of 2021, three Council Designations will be available for students earning a diploma.
As part of the revised diploma system outlined in the Secondary School Regulations, the Council Designations serve as a means to personalize the diploma. Each Council Designation externally validates achievements of high school students, through flexible and personalized high school learning experiences, to allow public recognition of specific skills and to incentivize students to meet additional high standards beyond those needed to earn a high school diploma.
The following three Council Designations have been adopted by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and will be made available to students who meet the defined criteria for each, beginning with the graduating class of 2021:
● The Commissioner’s Seal Council Designation certifies that a student is proficient in standards aligned to high school expectations in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as confirmed by external evidence.
● The Seal of Biliteracy Council Designation certifies that a student has demonstrated skill in the use of the English language and one or more other world languages.
● The Pathway Endorsement Council Designation certifies that a student has accomplished deep learning in a chosen area of interest and is prepared for employment or further education in a career path.
(http://www.ride.ri.gov/StudentsFamilies/RIPublicSchools/DiplomaSystem.aspx#164 41117-performance-assessments)
Students who meet the Council-defined criteria for each respective Council Designation will have a designation notation included on their diplomas and high school transcripts. Students may meet the criteria at any time and will be noted on a student's transcript as soon as they meet the criteria. Council Designations are contingent on earning a high school diploma. Specific requirements for each designation will be outlined in the Middletown High School Program of Studies, the *Middletown High School Student handbook and on the RI Department of Education website, www.ride.ri.gov. *
CAREER PATHWAY ENDORSEMENTS__**
CTE Accredited
PLTW: Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing
Other Pathways
Humanities: History/Culture, Literature
Unified Arts: World Languages, Visual Arts and Music
All pathway endorsements require
● an internship
● advanced coursework
● a proficiency-based graduation requirement aligned to the pathway
TRANSITION EXPERIENTIAL PATHWAY__**
Students who meet criteria for modified standards by the IEP team, including parents, may work toward a Transition Experiential Pathway. Students who qualify for this pathway must have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Career Development Plan (CDP). The student must complete 22 course credits. Students must demonstrate approved proficiency levels through common tasks, assessments, and portfolios as outlined by the course and defined/measured in the IEP. This specific pathway must be selected by the end of their sophomore year and must be agreed upon by an IEP team. All students who select a Transition Experiential Pathway must complete a transition plan, document a career/and or internship experience through the Career Development Plan (CDP) and complete a Capstone Project based on this experience. Students will also participate in state assessments (PSAT, SAT, or Alternate Assessment) and develop an Individual Learning Plan.
ROLE OF STATE ASSESSMENTS__**
All students must participate in the state assessment program. State assessments will be administered in accordance with a timeline established by the Rhode Island Department of Education.
TRANSFERRING STUDENTS__**
The following guidelines shall apply to students who transfer into Middletown High School:
1. Students entering prior to the start of their senior year must complete all academic requirements as detailed in this policy. A Capstone Project must also be successfully completed. The Graduation Portfolio and Community Service must also be successfully completed, with prorated requirements. If the entering student completed entries in their electronic portfolio from a RI Electronic Portfolio System district, then all entries will be transferred to the MHS portfolio.
2. Students entering after the start of their senior year must complete all academic requirements as detailed in this policy. Depending on students' start date, they may request a Capstone Project waiver. In addition, in place of a Capstone Project, the student may use a completed proficiency-based requirement from their previous high school, so long as that requirement of their previous high school was approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Students choosing to exercise the option to follow the proficiency-based guidelines of the previous high school must notify the principal, in writing (cosigned by a parent/legal guardian if the student is under the age of 18), at the time of enrollment. Regardless of choice, students entering after the start of their senior year will complete a Graduation Portfolio with prorated requirements.
3. Military dependent students who transfer fall under RI General Laws 19-92, Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) to meet their graduation requirements. The parent/legal guardian should notify the high school principal to discuss
the status of the student and share information from the sending school’s diploma requirements.
4. Individual situations not addressed by this policy will be handled on a case-by- case basis at the school level. The approval of the Superintendent of Schools is required for deviation from this policy.
COMMUNICATION & PROGRESS MONITORING
All students entering Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School shall be notified of the proficiency based graduation requirements. Written notice will be provided to their families and posted on the district web site. The same information shall be shared with students and families of those entering Middletown High School.
Students who successfully complete a full credit of Algebra 1 and/or a World Language during middle school will have it memorialized on their high school transcript.
The World Language credit will count towards the two year requirement for a College Readiness Diploma. The Algebra credit will be noted, but does not count towards the 4 year math requirement to graduate.
Advisory teachers for 7th and 8th grade students will review all graduation requirements with their advisees. The same will occur in all advisories at Middletown High School. MHS advisory teachers will monitor their advisees’ progress toward successful completion of a Capstone Project and Graduation Portfolio throughout their four-year experience.
APPEALS__**
Students who believe that they have been improperly denied a diploma may appeal the decision by citing the reason(s) in writing addressed to the Principal of Middletown High School. The appeal shall cite specific reasons for disagreement, and if the student is under the age of 18, it must be cosigned by a parent/legal guardian.
If the appeal is denied by the Principal of Middletown High School, the appeal may be presented following normal appeal procedure through the Superintendent, the School Committee, and if necessary, the State Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.
First Reading - January 18, 2007
Second Reading and Adoption - February 15, 2007
Revised – March 19, 2009
First Revision - January 25, 2018
Second Revision and Adoption – February 8, 2018
First Revision - January 22, 2026
Second and Final Reading - February 26, 2026
One Year Review Due - February 2027