EnrollRI + All Course Network (ACN)

One core goal of PrepareRI is that every student in Rhode Island will graduate with college credit or an industry credential. Another PrepareRI goal is to help students build their knowledge and skills in subjects that might lead a successful career.

Course choice accomplishes both of these goals by giving students access to broad variety of courses. Course Choice programs increase access to four types of courses: Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, Work-Based Learning and Career Preparation. Each type of course is defined by the standards they align to and the outcomes they provide for students.  

Types of Courses

Dual or Concurrent Enrollment

These courses are offered by colleges to allow students to explore college level coursework and college communities to determine their interest in possible postsecondary education paths.  Courses:  

  • Are the same college course, including rigor and expectations, as offered to degree- or certificate-seeking students. Courses can be taught at the college, or at a high school. Courses at the high school are called concurrent enrollment.

  • May be aligned to one or more set of standards from the Career and Technical Education Board, relevant state-adopted content standards, and/or Applied Learning Skills measured by either the Rhode Island Learning Champions or Providence After School Alliance issued rubrics;

  • Allow students to earn college credit from the provider institution.

  • May also have one of the following outcomes:

    • Credit earned may be part of a certificate or degree program at the college/university

    • Experience and/or mentorship with practicing industry professionals

    • Experience on a work-site

    • Internship placement

    • Summer or afterschool employment related to skills gained in course

    • Completion of an real or simulated work project

 

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement courses are developed by the College Board and offer students the opportunity to earn college credit through an end of course exam. Courses:

  • Are established and approved by the College Board Are aligned to one or more set of College Board Standards for College Success and relevant state-adopted content standards, and/or Applied Learning Skills measured by either the Rhode Island Learning Champions or Providence After School Alliance issued rubrics;

  • Allow students to earn college credit through an end of course exam facilitated by the College Board.

  • May also have one of the following outcomes:

    • Credit earned may be part of a certificate or degree program at the college/university

    • Experience and/or mentorship with practicing industry professionals

    • Experience on a work-site

    • Internship placement

    • Summer or afterschool employment related to skills gained in course

    • Completion of an real or simulated work project

 

Work-based Learning

These courses are designed for students to develop workplace skills including specific industry skills, applied learning skills or world languages. Courses:  

  • Are aligned to one or more set of standards from the Career and Technical Education Board, relevant state-adopted content standards, and/or Applied Learning Skills measured by either the Rhode Island Learning Champions or Providence After School Alliance issued rubrics;

  • Allow students to gain experience with practicing industry professionals and/or work-site experience.

  • Assist students in accomplishing deep learning in a chosen area of interest and prepare them for employment or further education in a career path.

  • Have one or more of the following outcomes:

    • Experience and/or mentorship with practicing industry professionals

    • Experience on a work-site

    • Internship placement

    • Summer or afterschool employment related to skills gained in course

    • Completion of an real or simulated work project

 

Career Preparation

These courses are designed to provide students with recognized credentials to support entry or continued learning in a specific career path. Courses:

  • Are aligned to one or more set of standards from the Career and Technical Education Board.

  • May be aligned to relevant state-adopted content standards, and/or Applied Learning Skills measured by either the Rhode Island Learning Champions or Providence After School Alliance issued rubrics;

  • Assist students in accomplishing deep learning in a chosen area of interest and prepare them for employment or further education in a career path.

  • Allow students to earn an industry recognized credential which leads to potential advanced standing for employment opportunities.

  • May also have one of the following outcomes:

    • Experience and/or mentorship with practicing industry professionals

    • Experience on a work-site

    • Internship placement

    • Summer or afterschool employment related to skills gained in course

    • Completion of an real or simulated work project

 

How do I access these courses?

Programs to increase access to these courses include:  

  • PrepareRI Dual Enrollment Fund: This program provides funding for tuition and fees related to dual enrollment with Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island and University of Rhode Island.  

  • Advanced Course Network: The Advanced Course Network (ACN) allows middle and high school students to enroll in dual enrollment, Advanced Placement©, career preparation and work-based learning courses offered by Rhode Island school/districts, colleges, community-based organizations, and Department of Labor and Training. To sign up, visit www.RICourseChoice.org.

 

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