Pathway guides for seven states

Before high school

Every school committee must provide instruction in careers and all types of employment, including registered apprenticeships, from kindergarten through grade 12 (RIGL 16-22-38). Under the state's CTE regulation, every student in grades K-12 has a right to career awareness and exploration activities. Every student has an Individual Learning Plan from no later than grade 6. The plan is reviewed twice a year and at the move to high school, and each middle school student has a responsible adult. State text sets no protected time for career learning at any grade and no check for K-5 career instruction. The district writes the K-5 outcome.

Graduation recognition

From the Class of 2028, every student earns at least 20 proficiency-based credits and completes a performance-based diploma assessment. The district may let a work-based learning experience serve as that assessment. RIDE's diploma system describes three designations open to every student who meets the criteria: the Pathway Endorsement, which includes a work-based learning experience; the Commissioner's Seal; and the Seal of Biliteracy. High schools are rated on a Postsecondary Success indicator that counts college credit, AP, IB, and credentials across the whole exit cohort. No statewide graduate profile was found.

Credit outside CTE

Credit rests on demonstrated proficiency, and seat time may not be considered, so no seat-time waiver is needed. Routes open to every student include:

• competency credit through any standards-aligned learning experience
• flex credits that carry two or more subjects
• work-based learning credit: RIDE guidance requires each high school to have a policy that recognizes work-based learning for academic credit, starting with the Class of 2028
• dual and concurrent enrollment, with part-time tuition at URI, RIC, and CCRI covered by the state fund within the appropriation
• RIDE-approved readiness pathways that let work-based learning or CTE credits stand in for world language credits

High school credit before grade 9 is limited in RIDE guidance to math, one world language level, and computer science. Students may also show civics and financial literacy proficiency in middle school. The 180-day or 1,080-hour rule governs the school calendar, not credit.

Workplace learning for minors

No state rule on permission or supervision for site visits or job shadows was found. No child under 14 may be "employed or permitted or suffered to work" in a business. School committees issue work permits at ages 14 and 15 after the student completes a training run by the Department of Labor and Training. A school committee may adopt a Work Experience and Career Exploration Program (WECEP) for students 14 and older with U.S. Department of Labor approval (RIGL 28-3-3.1). The Department of Labor and Training lists WECEP students as an exception to the limits for ages 14 and 15. The pre-apprenticeship exemption at age 16 applies only to CTE students. No state coverage for unpaid student interns was found.

Partner decision rights

Required local partner roles are advisory. The Governor's Workforce Board, which has an employer majority, decides its own plans and funding. The CTE Board of Trustees decides inside CTE. The Board of Education, RIDE, the Postsecondary Commissioner, and the colleges set dual enrollment terms.

Left to the district

Protected time for career learning; outcomes and checks for K-5; site visit rules; rules for private vehicles and student drivers; the content of the work-based learning credit policy; which flex credits and readiness pathways to offer; and the content of partner agreements.