§ 16-90-4 - Definitions. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-90-4

   § 16-90-4  Definitions. – The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the followingmeanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

   (1) "High School Graduation Rate" is defined as thepercentage of the "four (4) year adjusted cohort" who attended high school inthe school district, and earned a regular high school diploma "on time" ascalculated using the "graduation rate formula."

   (2) "Graduation Rate Formula" defines the formula forcalculating the graduation rate as the number of students who earned an "ontime" diploma divided by the number of students who formed the four (4) yearadjusted cohort for that graduation class. It may be expressed as follows:Graduation rate= (On time graduates in year x) divided by (the number ofstudents who entered grade 9 together in year x-4) + (transfers) –(transfers out and deceased).

   (3) "On Time" means that students who earned a regular highschool diploma from the district at the conclusion of their fourth (4th) yearor before. This may include graduates who earned their diploma during a seniorsummer session in those districts offering summer sessions for seniors.

   (4) "Four-Year Adjusted Cohort" is defined as the studentswho entered grade 9 together; and, any students that transferred into thedistrict in grade 10 through 12. Students that the district can confirm haveeither transferred out of the district, or are deceased, are removed from thecohort. All other students, including those retained in grade, those who enrollin a GED program, or take leave of school for any other reason, are not countedas transfers and remain in the "four-year adjusted cohort." Students who areretained in grade, or take leave of school and return are counted only once aspart of their initial "four-year adjusted cohort."

   (5) "Transfers In" are students who entered any high schoolafter the beginning of the entering cohort's first year in high school in thedistrict up to and including grade 12.

   (6) "Transfers Out" are students the district can confirmwith supporting documentation as having transferred out of the district toenroll in another high school outside the district, or other educationalprogram for which they are expected to receive a regular high school diploma.Confirmation of transfer to another school/program shall be in the form offormal, written documentation that the student enrolled in the receivingschool. "Transfers Out" does not include students enrolled in a GED or otheralternative educational program that does not issue or provide credits towardthe issuance of a regular high school diploma.

   (7) "Board of Regents" means the state board of regents forelementary and secondary education established in chapter 16-60.