graduation project overview

Graduation Project

Implementation Plan

2008-2009Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools

Department of Instructional Services

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools

The Big Picture 2005

– Department of Public Instruction mandated successful completion of a Graduation Project for the class of 2010 and beyond

2006-7– WSFCS created the Graduation Project Program Specialist

position– Small pilot implemented

2007-8– Data collected and implementation recommendations determined– Several pilots implemented

2008-9– All schools pilot

2009-10– Full implementation as state requirement


The 7-Year Plan:Middle School Students and teachers are aware of the Graduation

Project Students focus on foundation skills across the

curriculum:– Writing skills: reflective writing, formal writing– Information skills: source identification and bias– Presentation skills: informal public speaking– Life skills: organization, time management,

responsibility, leadership Students explore possible topics through the

curriculum


The 7-Year Plan: Grades 9 & 10 Students attend an orientation that

introduces/reviews the components of the Graduation Project

Students focus on foundation skills across the curriculum– Formal writing skills: organization, source citation– Information skills: discriminating source

identification, source evaluation– Presentation skills: formal and informal public

speaking– Topic exploration


The 7-Year Plan: Grade 11

Students begin Graduation Project Portfolio– Explore and identify research topic and

essential question– Write Letter of Intent, formal declaration of

research topic and intended product– Complete preliminary forms for

participation in Graduation Project


The 7-Year Plan: Grade 12

Students complete all components of the Graduation Project– Research Paper: 8-10 page paper– Portfolio: collection of assignments, forms,

and logs– Product: 15-20 hour personal learning

extension– Presentation: 8-10 minute speech


The Components: Research Paper Students may revise research paper written for any

class to meet Graduation Project criteria and standards

Students may write new paper on approved topic outside of class

Senior English teachers may integrate research paper into class time depending on needs of students

Students will be supported by English teachers and Faculty Advisors

Research papers will be evaluated using the NC Rubric by 3 faculty members


The Components:Product Students will self-identify site/direction of the

product Students must produce tangible evidence (physical

result, PowerPoint, scrapbook, etc.) Students may log hours beginning the summer

prior to their senior year Database of potential mentors/sites being

developed now (W-S Chamber of Commerce, United Way Women’s Leadership Council)

Products will be evaluated by 3 faculty members using the NC rubric during Senior Symposium


The Components:Portfolio Students will complete assignments,

forms, and logs to track progress Faculty Advisors will monitor portfolio

component closely Portfolios will be evaluated by 3 faculty

members using the NC rubric during Senior Symposium


The Components:Presentation Students will combine research and

experience in their presentations Students will present their product as

part of their speech Students will be assessed by a panel of

3 trained evaluators using the NC rubric Senior Boards will be held in December

and April


The Support System:Graduation Project Coordinator

Organizes and facilitates the Graduation Project at the building level

Provides professional development for Faculty Advisors and training for presentation judges

Monitors participation of faculty and students

Secures judges for presentation evaluation


The Support System:Graduation Project School Committee

Supports implementation of the Graduation Project

Reviews Letters of Intent referred by Faculty Advisors

Supports efforts of the Graduation Project Coordinator

Consists of representatives from across the curriculum/school


The Support System:Faculty Advisors

Assigned to students during junior year Assigned an “advisory” non-credit class through NC Wise

to record the outcome (pass/fail) of the Graduation Project Receive training on how to support Graduation Project

components (including research conventions) Support students throughout the Graduation Project

process Review advisees components prior to evaluation Evaluate components according to NC Rubric (not work of

Advisees)


The Support System:Community Mentors

Complete an application form Represent expertise in the student’s

area of interest Are not a student’s immediate family

member Complete an evaluation of the student

and verify attendance log


The Result“The function of education is to teach one

to think intensively and to think critically... Intelligence plus character -

that is the goal of true education.” --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Graduation Project can bring us one step closer to providing “true education.”


Questions?

Alexandra Hoskins, Program Specialist– [email protected]– 336.727.2358 ext.34216

Visit the WSFCS Graduation Project webpage– www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/graduationproject

graduation project overview

Documents