The Rhode Island 2020 Vision for Education defines an ideal Rhode Island graduate to be "one who is well prepared for postsecondary education, work, and life. He or she can think critically and collaboratively and can act as a creative, self-motivated, culturally competent learner and citizen." The updated Secondary School Regulations, which go into effect in the 2017-2018 school year (for the graduating class of 2021 and beyond), are intended to encourage all schools to further develop a system of opportunity by which every student can reflect the vision of the ideal Rhode Island graduate. The primary purpose of this reference guide is to provide clarification to educators, students, and families regarding the regulatory changes adopted in the 2016 Secondary School Regulations. The guidance provided in this reference guide is one piece of a larger, ongoing effort by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to provide schools and local education agencies (LEAs) with support and technical assistance toward meeting the goals of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education-adopted regulations. It is intended to be used as a reference guide on particular topics addressed in the Secondary School Regulations and will be updated as more information is requested or becomes available.