The Cranston Public Schools Diploma System

1. The Cranston Public Schools Diploma System

2. General Overview of Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) • 24 Credits • Required Courses • Working Portfolio and Graduation Portfolio/Presentation • Community Service (20 hours over 4 years) • Standardized Assessments: NECAP • Comprehensive Course Assessments (Final Exams) • Individualized Learning Plans (ILP)

3. PBGR: Credits • 24 credits • Credit is awarded for final grade of D (65) or higher (However, 4 year colleges require a grade of C minus or higher) • Depending on the course, student will receive 1.0, .5, or .25 credit(s)

4. PBGR: Required Courses • Students must complete: 4 credits in English 4 credits in Math 3 credits in Science 3 credits in Social Studies (1 credit must be US History) .5 credit in Computer Technology .5 credit in Fine Arts 1 credit Physical Education (.25 each year) 1 credit Health Education (.25 each year) 7 additional credits in elective courses

5. PBGR: The Working Portfolio • The Working Portfolio consists of artifacts and accompanying reflections • Artifacts are assignments/assessments/common tasks that show evidence of proficiency in communication, problem-solving, technology, research, health, and the fine arts • Artifacts are uploaded into the digital portfolio system (RIEPS) • After school support is available for assistance with portfolio assignments

6. PBGR: The Graduation Portfolio/ Presentation • Completed in Senior Year • Students select a specific number of artifacts from their Working Portfolio to become part of their Graduation Portfolio • Students present their Graduation Portfolios to a panel of 3 or 4 adults in March/April of Senior Year.

7. PBGR: NECAP • Every student is required to participate in the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) during their junior year • Students are expected to score at least Partially Proficient on the Math and English Assessments

8. PBGR: Comprehensive Course Assessments • Students are required to complete final exams in all courses. • Final exams represent a percentage of the students’ final grade in the course.

9. PBGR: Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) • Students must participate in the ILP Goal Setting activities in the high school advisory program. Through the ILP students develop and reflect on academic, career, and personal/ social goals.

10. PBGR: Community Service • Students must complete 20 hours of community service over 4 years of high school. It is anticipated that all students complete the community service requirement by the 2nd quarter of grade 12. • Details on the new community service component of PBGR are still being finalized.

11. Admission to Four Year Post Secondary Institutions • Requirements differ from PBGR requirements • General rule: Students should strive to earn no lower than a C minus (70) in a challenging program of studies • Consult Cranston Public Schools’ Program of Studies for course descriptions to determine appropriate course of study for admission to technical, 2 year, or 4 year post secondary institutions (available at www.cpsed.net)

12. Basic Admission Requirements for Public Four Year Institutions: Courses and Credits • 4 credits of English • 3 credits of Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) • 2 credits of Social Studies • 2 credits of lab Science (Foundations of Physics, Chemistry and Biology) • 2-3 credits of Foreign Language (Level 1 and Level 2) • .5 credits of fine arts • 4.5 credits in additional electives • Resources on specific colleges and programs are available at www.collegeboard.com

13. Basic Admission Requirements for Public Four Year Institutions: Standardized Assessments • PSAT in sophomore year for practice (best for honor level students) • PSAT in fall of junior year for additional practice and qualification for National Merit Scholarship • SAT or ACT in spring of junior year • SAT Subject Test (if needed) as soon as possible after completion of advanced courses (spring of junior year/fall of senior year) • SAT/ACT in fall of senior year

14. High School Programs: Cranston Area Career and Technical Center • CACTC offers the following programs: • Aquaculture - Finance/Marketing • Child Development - CISCO Networking • Culinary & Pastry Arts - Pre-Engineering/Robotics • CAD/Drafting - Graphic Communications • Computer Technology - Medical Pathways, • Residential Building Repair & Remodeling • Application process begins in the fall of Freshman year • Open House/Parent tours in January • For more information visit www.cpsed.net/cactc

15. High School Programs:The New England Laborers’/Construction Career Academy Charter School • Students can attend the New England Laborers Construction Career Academy in Freshman year. • Programs available: • Construction Craft Technology • World of Work Exploration For more information visit their website at charter.cpsed.net

16. The Freshman Year Schedule • Students will be required to fill a 7 period schedule. All students will take: - English 9 - Social Studies (World History 1 or Democracy in Action) - Math - Science (Foundations for Physics) • Phys Ed 9 /Health 9 - If schedule allows-students should complete the fine art/ technology requirement in freshman year

17. Remainder of schedule will depend on students’ needs and goals • College bound students should select a World Language (Spanish, French, or Italian) • Some students will be required to take Targeted or Intensive Reading (These are Federally mandated courses) • Complete Fine Art requirement and Technology requirement in Freshman year if possible • Students who qualify for Special Education Services will need to be scheduled for the appropriate support class.

18. How to stay informed at the high school level: • Attend high school freshman orientation in the summer • Attend high school Open Houses each year. • Sign up for High School List Serv to receive email updates • Read High School newsletters and mailings • Read notices on quarterly report cards and progress reports