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Learning & Professional Development
External Diploma Program

Brown University in conjunction with Project RIRAL is pleased to offer the opportunity to participate in the External Diploma Program at a discounted cost to members of the Brown staff.

 What is the EDP?

• EDP is a standardized competency-based, applied performance assessment system that awards a traditional high school diploma.

• EDP drives instruction by validating high school level skills as to what an adult must know and be able to do to function as a parent, citizen and worker.

• EDP candidates apply foundational reading, writing, and math skills in a series of simulations that parallel job and life situations and must demonstrate 65 standardized competencies with 100% mastery. EDP requires candidates to demonstrate an entry level job skill.

• EDP candidates work independently by taking home assignments and meeting weekly one-on-one with an assessor to demonstrate the skills they have practiced.

• EDP process is not timed. This allows adults whose first language is not English and adults with learning disabilities to self pace through the learning assessment process. This offers a better alternative than the GED test which is timed.

• EDP aligns with the Secretary’s Commission on All Necessary Skills (SCANS) and National High School State Standards.

What skills are assessed for the EDP?

• Basic Skills: Reading, writing, arithmetic and mathematics, speaking and listening

• Thinking Skills: The ability to learn, to reason, to think creatively, to make decisions and to solve problems

• Personal Qualities: Individual responsibility, self-esteem (self- competence), self management, sociability and integrity.

All of these skills, but the final two, sociability and integrity, are measured in specific EDP assessment items or are demonstrated by the graduate in their mastery of the total program.

Where do the classes take place?

Project RIRAL will make arrangements for the meetings to take place at the worksite or at one of 6 conveniently located EDP Diagnostic Centers across the state.

When can I begin the program?

It is an open entry program. RIRAL does initial testing & the EDP Diagnostics, year-round.

Where will my diploma be from?

• Newport and Cranston issue diplomas for their residents

• Central Falls High School issues diplomas for all other RI residents

What does the program cost?

Project RIRAL has a grant that will allow students to enroll in the program for a total of $250 ($50 is due at the beginning of the program the remainder may be paid throughout the program). The EDP program traditionally costs approximately $1000 per student for all of the assessment and placement testing and the one-on-one meetings with the instructor. This is an excellent opportunity to earn a traditional high school diploma at a reduced rate!

How can I find out more?

Please contact clpd@brown.edu for further information.

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