Integration of 21st Century Skills:
-Information and Media Literary Skills
-Communication Skills
-Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking
-Problem Identification, Formulation, and Solution
-Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity
-Self-Direction
-Accountibility and Adaptability
-Social Responsibility
FRESHMAN YEAR
-Begin exploring personal interests (English I)
-Complete Freshman Reflection for Student Portfolio
SOPHOMORE YEAR
-Begin exploring topics based on an academic subject, career, community or global interests (English II)
-Complete Sophomore Reflection for Student Portfolio
JUNIOR YEAR
-Assignment of a Faculty Advisor (to be distributed with student schedule)
-Submit Graduation Project Topic (English III) to the school's Graduation Project Steering Committee
-Student completes Research and writes the Paper (English III), which will be evaluated by the English III teacher and the student's Advisor, using the state rubric. Research Paper final draft will be added to Student Portfolio
-Complete Junior Reflection for Student Portfolio
SENIOR YEAR
-Submit Product Proposal Form and Mentor Information Form (English IV) to the school's Graduation Project Steering Committee
-Begin work on Product while working with mentor (15 documented hours)
-Begin work on oral Presentation (English IV), including a mock presentation for English class
-Submit your Product for evaluation, using state rubric
-Make final Presentation before the review panel of community members (Product and Portfolio are part of the Presentation). Presentation will be evaluated by the review panel members, using state rubric
-Complete a post-Presentation reflection for the Portfolio
-Submit Portfolio to English IV teacher of evaluation, using state rubric
-CELEBRATE a job well done!
*Specific deadline dates will be shared with students on the first day of their English III and IV classes
REQUIREMENTS:
1. A career related research paper - This paper requires students to develop and demonstrate proficiency in conducting research and writing proficiently about a chosen, in-depth topic. Students will accomplish this component through their junior English course.
2. A related product - A tangible product related to the student’s field of study and/or research topic is selected, designed, and developed by the graduating senior. The product can be a service that would benefit the school or community. The product should challenge the student, allow the student to show applications of learning, and reflect that the student has spent substantial time completing it. A school-based committee will approve the initial plans. Each student will document his or her progress in a journal or log that will be monitored regularly (see portfolio). products will be assessed by the senior mentor.
3. A portfolio – This notebook will contain reflective writings, logs and forms of student documents demonstrating progress and process. It traces the development of the project and serves as a summary and reflection.
4. A presentation – A formal student oral presentation encapsulating the entire process from the topic selection to project completion and self-growth will be given by the senior before a review panel of judges composed of staff and community members. The formal presentation is followed by judges’ impromptu questions.
*Each of the four components are assessed based on state endorsed rubrics.
LINKS
-NC DPI Graduation Project Web Site
-Download Graduation Project Handouts Here