Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements

Central Falls High School has chosen Portfolios as its proficiency-based graduation (PBGR) requirement for all students to complete by their senior year. It is a reflection of the students’ best work over a four-year period and will demonstrate student proficiency that is consistent with the state’s common core of learning. The graduation portfolio is a collection of evidence demonstrating that the student has the skills and knowledge expected from a high school graduate.

Students must submit the minimum number of entries required per year and complete a written reflection to accompany each of the selected entries. Some of these entries will be required by their teachers while others will be chosen by the student to be a part of their final portfolio.

Ultimately, all students must complete a portfolio for graduation. While the school will provide the resources and support necessary for successful portfolio completion and exhibition, it is the student’s responsibility to fulfill all requirements.

At the end of each school year, students will make a presentation to their Advisory class on entries selected for that year which will be scored using a generic oral presentation rubric. This process will also allow for practice on oral presentation skills in anticipation of the student’s final Graduation Portfolio presentation that takes place during their senior year.

Upon completion of the portfolio in a student’s senior year, the student will be scheduled by Advisory to make a formal presentation to the Graduation Portfolio Review Committee (GPRC).   This committee will be comprised of administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, and prominent members of the community.  Using a presentation rubric, your panel of judges will determine if proficiency is achieved.

The student has the right to appeal the decision of the GPRC; however, the portfolio is a demonstration of proficiency of the Central Falls High School Learner Outcomes.  Any student who does not possess a completed, acceptable portfolio will not receive their high school diploma regardless of how many academic credits they have earned.  The student has the right to appeal the decision of the GPRC if they believe that their portfolio has met the school’s requirements set forth in this handbook.  To appeal the decision of the GPRC, the student must submit a formal letter to the portfolio coordinator and the principal in support of their appeal.

Jodi Timpani
PBGR Coordinator
(401) 727-7710