05/01/2006
Coventry superintendent unveils new graduation requirements​
By: Jennifer Salcido , Kent County Daily Times

During Tuesday's Coventry School Committee meeting, Superintendent of Schools Kenneth DiPietro unveiled the updated proficiency requirements to be met by high school graduates.

DiPietro explained that, currently, in order to graduate, each student must earn a minimum of 24 credits, although students have the opportunity to earn up to 28 credits. A year-long class earns a full credit, while a semester class earns a half credit. Typically, students will earn seven credits per year, with their progression to the next grade level hinging upon accruing a certain number of credits.

"The 24 credits required to graduate are higher than most high schools in the state," said DiPietro.

"Coventry High School has been a model. ... Overall, over 80 to 85 percent of students take more credits [than the minimum requirement]," he noted.

The major alteration to the existing system goes beyond simple credit requirements, however. Beginning with the class of 2008 (encompassing the high school's sophomore and freshman classes), students must be able to "demonstrate proficiency" in the areas of English, math, science, social studies, the arts, technology and Physical Education (PE)/health. DiPietro said that this would enable Coventry High School students to possess a diploma that they will be able to "state that they earned...by showcasing what they know and what they are able to do."

The new proficiency based requirements mandate that students must complete both a graduation portfolio and a "Capstone Project" by the time they graduate. The portfolio is described in department literature as "a collection of work, artifacts, tasks, reflections and other assignments that demonstrate that the student has met the standard and is proficient in the six assessed areas," while DiPietro explained that the Capstone Project is "an exhibition-type project designed by the student with an adult mentor that is derived from a core question based on the student's interest."

Because the Capstone Project requires a mentor, however, there have been some scheduling difficulties, especially involving current sophomores. Hopkins Hill School Nurse Kathy Larson expressed concern that her daughter, a current sophomore, was unable to be scheduled for a Capstone Project class this semester. DiPietro explained that of course there would be scheduling problems, however, the current sophomores (as well as next year, when they would be juniors) were the top priority, and that the school would try to fit them in as best it could so as to leave their second semester junior year and senior year open to "concentrate on the portfolio."

In an exhaustive report issued in mid-March, the Capital Improvement Study Team had previously suggested a large chunk of spending, to the tune of $3 million, for technology upgrades across the district. Inclusive in this upgrade is overhaul of the equipment available for Coventry High School in order for students to be able to complete portfolios electronically, a particularly important piece of the proficiency puzzle, as DiPietro had previously noted during the March budget discussion that technology as an educational tool is now tantamount to "the pen or the pencil."