Graduation Project

Pender County Schools

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Goals:The Graduation Project will: create students who will be independent and

lifelong learners. create an environment that fosters cross-curricular

mentorship and resources. invite community involvement with the school in the

form of mentorship, resources, and student recognition.

provide a venue for students to connect learning, life, and work.

Why Graduation Project? Students choose their own topics based upon their

interests and future goals. Students integrate learning from various high

school disciplines. Students apply learning to real-world context. Students to stretch beyond current

accomplishments. Students experience service learning. Students gain skills in organization, time

management, self-advocacy, and self-reflection.

Requirements

The Graduation Project is divided into four components:

RESEARCH PAPER PRODUCT PRESENTATION PORTFOLIO

RESEARCH PAPER 6-9 pages 6 minimum sources

(including 1 internet and 1 interview)

Outlines and Rough Drafts required

MLA documentation of sources

Formal support provided in English III or Junior Seminar

PRODUCT Logical link to research paper Learning stretch Minimum of 10 hours Verify completion with

documents, photos, mentor testimony

One mentor– NO family– 21 or older– Teacher or Community Leader– Background Check Required

PORTFOLIO Technology utilized1. Cover page2. Table of Contents3. Letter to judges4. Final draft of paper5. Product photos and

documentation6. Mentor/advisor evaluation

form7. Mentor/advisor meeting log8. Reflective Essay

PRESENTATION Components

– Intro– Summary of Research– Description of Product– Mentor Information– Self-Reflection– Closing

Accurate, credible information 8-10 minutes with 5 minutes

extra for questions/answers (total of 15 min. max)

Professional Dress

Scoring State rubrics will be used for the final

evaluation of each component. Schools will not assign a numeric grade to

the final scoring of each component. Teachers may assign grades for drafts or

parts, such as the resume, of a component.

If students submit a component that does not meet the minimum state requirements, the students will go into the Recovery Process.