Certificate of Initial Mastery

What is the CIM?

The Certificate of Initial Mastery is an endorsement on the high school diploma which recognizes high level standards-based work.  Through the CIM, students demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills in real world settings.  The CIM, a voluntary endeavor, encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and to make connections between their school experiences and their individual plans for the future, either in post-secondary education or the world of work.

Who can earn a CIM?

A CIM kid is energetic, curious, determined, and deeply interested in some aspect of learning.
A CIM kid can:

• Integrate knowledge and skills
• Explain to others what his/her work is all about
• Deal with and solve real problems in effective ways
• Use technology to enhance his/her work
• Assume responsibility in a diverse and constantly changing society
• Complete highly complex work in an area of keen interest to him/her

What are the components of a CIM?

The Rhode Island CIM has five basic components, each of which has multiple elements:

• New Standards Reference Exam: the student must achieve a passing grade on both the Math component and the English component.
• Tasks:  the student must successfully complete two on-demand tasks in both Math and English and one extended task in each area for a total of six tasks.
• Work Habits:  the student's team work skills and personal responsibilities must be evaluated by two adults.
• Capstone Project: (Described)
• Reflective Essay:  The student must compose a thoughtful evaulation of all elements of the CIM experience.

What is the Capstone Project?

The Capstone Project is an opportunity for a student to investigate a complex issue in an area of his/her interest.  The student's work in this area is designed to parallel the kinds of learning and application of skills that effective adults use to solve real problems.  The Capstone is the heart of the CIM because the student must combine applied learning standards as well as content standards in the demonstration of his/her findings.  Past Capstone projects have investigated such disparate areas as the creation of a biologically sound habitat for the breeding of tree frogs, investigating the constitutional issue of officially flying the Confederate flag, and the creation of an elementary curriculum for the study of women's history.
An elective is offered at LHS so that students can complete the work involved in the project within the school day.  The Capstone Courses were taught by Mrs. Cheryl Murray and Mrs. Diane Pimentel

Other Questions

What RI school districts participate in the CIM?

There are currently 8 school districts in Rhode Island involved in the CIM program.  They are:

Is the CIM a graduation requirement?

The CIM is an endorsement and not a graduation requirement for all students at Lincoln High School.  Beginning with the Class of 2005, however, all students will be involved in many of the CIM components in their English and math classes.  The new high school regulations mandated by the Board of Regents will take effect soon, and those students who do complete teh rigorous learning required by the CIM will be at a distinct advantage after they graduate.

Why pursue CIM?

A CIM endorsement signifies that a student has met or exceeded requirements based on high standards of learning.

This endorsement indicates to the business community and higher education officials that the recipient has the qualities they have specified as necessary for success.

The CIM connects the students to career choices.  Local and state businesses have endorsed this program.  Further work is currently taking place to strengthen local connections with businesses and industries through the development and implementation of mentor programs that pair CIM candidates with experts in their field of interest.

How will students become involved in the CIM?

All LHS students have the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of the CIM as the implementation plan becomes complete.