TITLE 16
Education
CHAPTER 16-90
High School Outcomes Improvement Act of 2009 [See Title 16 Chapter 97
The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]
SECTION 16-90-4
§ 16-90-4 Definitions.
The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following
meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "High School Graduation Rate" is defined as the
percentage of the "four (4) year adjusted cohort" who attended high school in
the school district, and earned a regular high school diploma "on time" as
calculated using the "graduation rate formula."
(2) "Graduation Rate Formula" defines the formula for
calculating the graduation rate as the number of students who earned an "on
time" diploma divided by the number of students who formed the four (4) year
adjusted cohort for that graduation class. It may be expressed as follows:
Graduation rate= (On time graduates in year x) divided by (the number of
students who entered grade 9 together in year x-4) + (transfers)
(transfers out and deceased).
(3) "On Time" means that students who earned a regular high
school diploma from the district at the conclusion of their fourth (4th) year
or before. This may include graduates who earned their diploma during a senior
summer session in those districts offering summer sessions for seniors.
(4) "Four-Year Adjusted Cohort" is defined as the students
who entered grade 9 together; and, any students that transferred into the
district in grade 10 through 12. Students that the district can confirm have
either transferred out of the district, or are deceased, are removed from the
cohort. All other students, including those retained in grade, those who enroll
in a GED program, or take leave of school for any other reason, are not counted
as transfers and remain in the "four-year adjusted cohort." Students who are
retained in grade, or take leave of school and return are counted only once as
part of their initial "four-year adjusted cohort."
(5) "Transfers In" are students who entered any high school
after the beginning of the entering cohort's first year in high school in the
district up to and including grade 12.
(6) "Transfers Out" are students the district can confirm
with supporting documentation as having transferred out of the district to
enroll in another high school outside the district, or other educational
program for which they are expected to receive a regular high school diploma.
Confirmation of transfer to another school/program shall be in the form of
formal, written documentation that the student enrolled in the receiving
school. "Transfers Out" does not include students enrolled in a GED or other
alternative educational program that does not issue or provide credits toward
the issuance of a regular high school diploma.
(7) "Board of Regents" means the state board of regents for
elementary and secondary education established in chapter 16-60.
History of Section.
(P.L. 2009, ch. 204, § 1.)