Public Input Sought For New High School Graduation Requirements

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Education is seeking public input on new high school graduation requirements. From now through May, the department will host seven public information sessions across the state.

The department is looking to revise the current requirements and "reimagine the high school experience," Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green said.

"After months of extensive community engagement, we have put forth a proposal for graduation requirements that will help our students reach their highest potential and reflects the voices of students, families, and educators of Rhode Island," Infante-Green said. "Ultimately, our goal is to further refine this proposal through public comment, so we invite all Rhode Islanders to lend their voice to the process and help us adopt policies that meet the needs and priorities of our students. Working together we can improve the high school experience statewide."

The department created the new, proposed requirements following a public comment period in summer 2021. Last month, the state's Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted to advance the proposal to the public comment period. The proposed requirements can be found on the Department of Education's website.

At least one public hearing will be held in each county to allow Rhode Islanders the chance to offer their voices to the discussion, the department said. Testimony can be given verbally during the meetings, or submitted in writing to Olivia.Smith@RIDE.RI.gov. Public comments will be accepted through May 3.

Public meetings will be held on the following dates. All meetings will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• March 22:  CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick, 400 East Ave., Warwick, or register for the online Zoom link.
• March 31: Kingston Free Library, 2605 Kingstown Rd., Kingston
• April 4: Woonsocket Public Library, 303 Clinton St., Woonsocket
• April 6: Rogers Public Library, 525 Hope St., Bristol
• April 12: Providence Public Library, 150 Empire St., Providence
• April 14: Adams Public Library, 205 Central St., Central Falls
• April 26: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St., Newport