Guided Pathways + Endorsements

PrepareRI aims to increase and improve equitable learning opportunities for every student through personalization and multiple pathways.

The importance of personalized learning

Students should have opportunities for choice in how, when, and in what ways they learn and demonstrate their learning.  Learning opportunities should be diverse, rigorous, and connected to the world outside the school.  By ensuring that learning is relevant, students are more likely to find joy in the learning process and want to continue to learn throughout their lives.  Further, by learning how to make well-informed decisions in the secondary grades, students will be more adept at advocating for themselves as adult learners and citizens.  

What are the requirements to earn one?

To earn a Pathway Endorsement, students must successfully complete three components:

  1. Academic study that includes the successful completion of three connected courses;

  2. Work-based learning experience that provides students with real world context; and,

  3. Application of skills demonstrated through the performance-based diploma assessment (senior project/exhibition, portfolio, or capstone product).

What are guided Pathway Endorsements?

Beginning with the graduating class of 2021, Rhode Island students will be able to earn Guided Pathway Endorsements on their high school diploma to certify that they have accomplished deep learning in a chosen area of interest and is prepared for employment or further education in a career path.

Students may earn a Guided Pathway Endorsement in one of the following disciplines:

additional Resources

  • The Arts and Humanities Pathway Endorsement

  • Business, Economics, and Data Analytics Pathway Endorsement

  • Education, Government, and Human Services Pathway Endorsement

  • Communications, Media, and Film Pathway Endorsement

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Pathway Endorsement

  • Environment and Sustainability Pathway Endorsement

  • Health and Health Administration Pathway Endorsement