Graduation Requirements

Introduction

Middletown High School is committed to providing a comprehensive high school diploma system which enables all students to achieve proficiency in rigorous academic and applied learning standards. Graduation requirements are set by the Middletown School Committee and are reviewed annually. This review process ensures that all requirements are consistent with the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education  Regulations. 

The minimum requirements for a Rhode Island High School Diploma are: 

Specifically, Middletown High School requires students to:

Definitions

(A) Individual Learning Plan (ILP)-  A planning and monitoring tool that helps to customize and direct students' goals and development in three domains: academic, career, and personal/social. At MHS, we uses the Richer Picture platform to progress monitor student ILPs across their 9-12 experience.

(B) Senior Project- Demonstration of learning that includes both academic products and oral presentations. A Senior Project is an independent, in-depth, extended project whose topic is derived from student choice and requires the simultaneous demonstration of deep content knowledge across multiple content areas and applied learning skills.

(C) Capstone Product- A multifaceted assessment task, product, or culminating demonstration of learning of content area knowledge in one or more content areas and applied learning skills. A capstone product is typically an independent, in-depth, extended project derived from student choice and guided by faculty and/or community mentors.

Minimum Academic Requirements for an MHS Diploma

To earn a Middletown High School diploma, students will need to complete the following course credits in the designated course areas:


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. Form more information on our community service graduation requirement please CLICK HERE.

Proficiency-Based Requirements

All students will successfully complete a Senior Project or a Capstone Product to graduation.  

1) Senior Project is an exhibition based on student choice that involves independent research, problem solving, and written and oral presentations 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 Senior Project or the Capstone Product will be Grade 12, although students are encouraged to begin planning in their Junior year. 

2) Capstone Product is a multifaceted assessment task, product, or culminating demonstration of learning of content area knowledge that is completed during the Senior Year. Capstone products are embedded within our Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and are completed alongside regular, course content as demonstration of pathway mastery prior to program completion. Capstone Products may be completed in the place of traditional Senior Project en route to meeting the MHS PBGR graduation requirement.

Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) Requirement

All students will successfully complete an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP). All ILPs will be shared with advisory teachers and parents throughout the school year. ILPs will be completed during advisory time and will be linked to the Comprehensive Guidance Program's goals. The ILP will document students' goal setting, survey results, course planning/selection, and readiness for transition into college or career. 

Role of Rhode Island State Assessments

All students must participate in the Rhode Island state assessment program. State assessments will be administered in accordance with a timeline established by the Rhode Island Department of Education.  The role of these assessments give us valuable to data to measure student growth and proficiency.  

Students demonstrating proficiency on the PSAT or SAT in both ELA and math will be honored with The Commissioner's Seal Council Designation on the MHS diploma.   Students must pass the PSAT ELA test with a score of 430 or the SAT with a ascore of 480.  Additionally, students must pass the PSAT math with a score of 480 or SAT score of 530.  These proficiencies can be accomplished at any given time during their high school career.

Additionally, students can earn a Seal of Biliteracy if students can show the same proficiency on the PSAT or SAT ELA section, as well as demonstrating proficiency a variety of other language assessments including the ACCESS, AP, STAMP, or AAPPL.  Students should see their Guidance Counselor for more information.

Additionally, MHS will continue to create clarity regarding Pathway Endorsements in the areas of Arts, Business and Industry, Humanities and World Language, Public Service, STEM, and Teaching.