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5/18/2023

Spokane Public Schools

Culminating Project Student HandbookWork in Progress 5/18/2023

(Text Revised 3/5/07)

SPS: Proposal Letter Rubric Spokane Public Schools 1

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Table of Contents

Philosophy, Overview, Student Responsibilities of the Culminating Project 3

Proposal Letter 6

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment 6

The Researched Paper 6

The Product or Performance 7

The Portfolio 8

The Presentation 9

Forms 10 Proposal Letter Rubric Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement Culminating Project Portfolio Rubric Culminating Project Learning Log I-Search Paper Rubric Formal Paper Rubric


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Philosophy, Overview and Student Responsibilities of the Culminating Project

Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.Thomas Edison

Why do seniors complete a Culminating Project?What are some of the skills that are needed to ensure that students will be successful in the 21st Century? Whether the students are planning on entering the work force immediately after high school or after the students complete post-secondary education, we know that effective communication–both in speaking and writing–is necessary. We also know that citizens must be able to reason critically, acquire and use information, work well with people, behave honestly and ethically, and use the resource of time effectively. That is what the students’ thirteen years of schooling has helped them achieve. The Culminating Project celebrates the passing of a milestone in a lifetime of learning.

The Culminating Project in any Spokane Public Schools high school acknowledges the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st Century and supports Washington State’s Learning Goals:

Learning Goal 3: Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems; and

Learning Goal 4: Understand the importance of work and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect career and educational opportunities.

The Culminating Project is a state and district graduation requirement, and its completion will be indicated on students’ official transcript. Students must satisfactorily complete all components of the Culminating Project to be eligible for graduation. Students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and served by special education programs will meet this requirement as stated in the IEP.

The following guidelines are in effect in each Spokane Public Schools high school.

What is the Culminating Project?All seniors will complete the Culminating Project, which consists of a Product or Performance, a researched Paper, a Portfolio, and an oral Presentation. Each high school will determine how and who monitors and supports students during the Culminating Project process, and which classes throughout the high school years will deliver instruction for completing the various components of the Culminating Project.

The Culminating Project is an appropriate conclusion to students’ education because students are expected to demonstrate that they can write, speak, and organize information and time around a topic that they have selected. This is the real-world application of all of the students’ learning so far and we invite the members of the community to come and listen to what students have learned.


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What is the Topic for the Culminating Project?The best part is that students pick the topic! The topic will connect to at least one of the following:

an interest or hobby that can be thoroughly researched; a social problem/issue with public service; career exploration; or a real world engagement in an academic area of interest.

Students are almost unlimited in their choices as long as the selection is not harmful and meets the school district’s safety/risk management department guidelines. A good rule of thumb is for students to pick a topic that keeps their heads above water and feet on the ground. Students’ parents/guardians and school personnel will be asked to support the decision. Students should be sure to choose wisely. They should pick a topic that is enjoyable because they will spend hours of time completing these steps.

What are the Components of the Culminating Project?

The Researched Paper: Researched information as well as student reflection related to the Culminating Project.

Research the subject through a variety of sources, including the internet. Prepare a typed five- to eight-page researched paper. Provide reflection either within the researched paper or according to the high

school’s guidelines.

The Product or Performance: A product or performance tied to some aspect of the research paper and demonstrating skill application.

Produce a product or performance. Perform at least 20 hours of work on the project outside of school time. Compile into a quality portfolio the required paperwork that records the process.

The Culminating Project Presentation: A presentation in which students share the journey with a group of two or more school staff and community members.

Present the research and what was gained from the project to a panel in a 6-8 minute oral presentation plus time for questions, for a total of 15 minutes.

Showcase acquired expertise. Share publicly the product or performance. Exhibit reflection on the project process.

The Portfolio: History of the Culminating Project journey which includes all written or paper components including the Proposal Letter, Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment, Culminating Project Portfolio Rubric, Learning Log, Researched Paper, pictures, and other documents that are evidence of the journey. The Portfolio serves as:

The compilation of all finished work so the presentation panel may peruse it. Well-organized collection of work that demonstrates the journey.


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What are students’ responsibilities in the Culminating Project? Students are expected to do all work with care and thoughtfulness including meeting deadlines. This process will truly prove that the diploma represents mastery of skills that are valued in the real world. Students’ specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Identify a viable topic and project. Work on the Culminating Project individually. Develop, design and obtain approval for the Culminating Project through the Proposal

Letter. Obtain parent/guardian acknowledgement of the proposed project that reflects their

understanding of their student’s responsibilities. Meet with the advisor (adult from inside the school) as necessary and at assigned

times. The high school will provide specifics about who will be the possible school advisor supporting students in the Culminating Project.

Seek advice and assistance when needed. Maintain documentation of completed tasks and timelines. Complete and document at least 20 hours of verifiable work resulting in a product or

performance for the Culminating Project. Prepare a portfolio of documentation of all work completed and make the portfolio

available for the presentation panel in advance of the oral presentation. Present successfully to the presentation panel made up of school staff and community

members. Meet all deadlines. Complete successfully all components of the Culminating Project according to the

guidelines provided. The Culminating Project demands a high level of integrity on the part of students in

every phase of the project. Most of the project would be done without the close supervision of classroom teachers; students need to realize that all work presented for the project would be assumed to be their own. When students are presenting work which is not original, they must acknowledge the use of such work by properly documenting through work cited in the paper, the project/portfolio, and the presentation. Any academic dishonesty by students on any part of the project may result in them failing the Culminating Project and forfeiting graduation in June.

Each school has a Culminating Project Advisory Board that oversees the support students receive to successfully complete the project. If students do not agree with a decision made by the advisor regarding the choice of topic or other activity to meet the requirements of the project, students may appeal the decision to the advisory board.

Proposal Letter

Prior to beginning the project, all students will submit a Proposal Letter. The letter will be a statement of a student’s plan to successfully complete the project as well as an explanation why a


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student chose this project. The letter would explain how this project will be a learning stretch for the student relative to his/her current skills and knowledge in the area of the topic for the project.

Students must have their Proposal Letter approved before beginning any work on the project. In this requirement, students will demonstrate the skill of writing a business letter with correct format and conventions, such as might be used in the future when applying for a job. Later, students will include the letter in the finished portfolio. Once the Proposal Letter is approved, if students alter or change their project, they must write a revised Proposal Letter.

The Proposal Letter Rubric appears in the handbook’s forms section below.

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

Students’ parents/guardians are required to complete the Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment. This statement recognizes students’ responsibility to successfully complete the Culminating Project and the necessary time commitment. The Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment statement appears in the handbook’s forms section.

The Researched Paper

This paper demonstrates students’ ability to access, sort, select, validate, analyze and incorporate information into a researched paper centered on the research topic. The paper must be five to eight pages in a standard format provided by the high school. Students must complete the process of note taking, outlining, drafting, revising, and editing to reach the final draft while meeting all assigned deadlines. Dates and deadlines will be assigned by each high school.

The key to a quality researched paper is a topic that allows students to analyze and reflect on the information gathered. Research must be timely and show a range of sources. The Internet alone does not provide sufficient information to answer the research question. For all sources, students should compile complete publication information, including dates and pages. The designated advisor will refer to the proper format for citing works in the paper as well as preparing the works cited page for the paper.

If students are having problems, they must seek help early in the process from the advisor. It is difficult to catch up once students get behind! Save paper copies of all drafts; make handwritten changes on one draft before word processing a new draft.

The Product or Performance

This component of the Culminating Project requires seniors to produce a product or performance in an area of their own interest which relates to the research from the paper. The product or performance must be done on students’ own time and must be of adequate magnitude to require


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at least twenty (20) hours of independent work.

Students must choose a project that is a learning stretch. For instance, a senior who is skilled in music cannot merely play a musical composition. Such a student would need to stretch further, perhaps write a piece of music or learn a new instrument. While we encourage service learning and career exploration, students must create a product or provide an actual service that has been designed by them. Simply volunteering for an existing organization is not sufficient; the student would propose a product or performance or study that would enhance the work of the organization. All students must design, create, organize, or write something that can be evaluated.

Following are some requirements and considerations for students:

1. Learning Stretch - The product or performance must challenge students in some substantial manner. While it may be connected to something students already knows, the product or performance should require students to learn new skills and develop a new understanding in this area. It must move students out of their comfort zone.

2. Acknowledgment Form - Parents/guardians must sign an acknowledgment form stipulating that they are aware of and will support students’ work.

3. Product or Performance - Students must either make something or perform something. Students could sew, build, repair, write, or paint; or students could perform a solo, direct a play, or provide a specific service to a specific population. In any case, there must be a clear goal or purpose, which can be articulated. While the advisor may not be an expert in the area of the product or performance, the advisor will support the process used to complete the product or performance.

4. Restrictions: Classes, Jobs, and Hobbies Are Not Culminating Projects – Students may take a class to help reach the goal for the project; simply going to class is not the project. Students may not use hours for which they are being paid. Projects related to jobs must go beyond the regular work schedule and provide for the employer something that is not part of the student’s typical job responsibilities.

5. Project Considerations:• Technology – Do students have access to appropriate technology when proposing a

project?• Funding – Do student projects anticipate donations? Do not propose a project that

exceeds students’ personal resources. A quality Culminating Project can be done for little or no cost.

• Experience – Do students already possess knowledge in their project area? The more knowledge possessed, the more the learning stretch that should occur.

• People – Do students plan to involve other people in their project? The more people involved in the project, the more complicated it would be to coordinate the project.

Portfolio Requirements


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Students will submit a portfolio upon completion of the product/performance stage of the Culminating Project. Students must bring the portfolio to the presentation so that the panel may view students’ work. In the portfolio, students need to document work on the project, including the necessary forms and documents.

Students should be sure to keep a log recording all of the time spent working on the project. Students need to keep all of their work on the project in a safe place so that compiling it would be a simple process before submission. Students should write well and edit accurately on all the portfolio documents. All writing must follow standard writing guidelines and be typed when appropriate. Portfolio contents should include all the items listed below. Students may consult with the Culminating Project advisor about other items they may want to include.

Cover page with name, school and advisor name Table of Contents with proper sections or page numbers Proposal Letter Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Form Portfolio Rubric Learning Log (form is located in forms section) Researched paper Pictures and other evidence of the student’s work on the Culminating Project.

The Presentation

The final phase of the Culminating Project, the Presentation, will take place on consecutive afternoons near the end of the first semester or near the end of the year as designated by each high school. Students present before a panel of school staff. Parents/guardians are especially welcome to attend their student’s presentation.

Students must present for six to eight minutes and then answer any questions judges may ask, for a total of 15 minutes. Students would be evaluated on the content of their presentations. Students will receive feedback from the panel regarding the student’s presentational skills. See the Culminating Project Presentation Rubric in the handbook forms section.

Students should be able to explain the connection between their research and their projects, as well as what they have learned about themselves in the course of completing their projects.

Preparing for the Presentation

Students must have completed and passed all phases of the Culminating Project in order to proceed to the presentation phase. A dress rehearsal is strongly recommended.

Panel members will look for four things in the presentation:1. Why did the student do this project?2. What did the student learn?3. What did the student do (product/performance)?4. How did the student grow?


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Ideas to stimulate preparation of the presentation:1. List and then describe fundamental ideas/concepts/skills of the project area learned

during the project.2. List and describe problems encountered in the project area and briefly describe how

they were solved.3. Explain how the completed project compares to the picture students had in mind

when starting the project.4. Now that the project is completed, explain/describe the attempted learning stretch and

how it contributed to the Culminating Project experience.5. After completing the Culminating Project experience, describe what could have been

done differently. Include tips for next year’s seniors.


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Student Name: Student #: Last First

Advisor: Date:

PROPOSAL LETTER RUBRIC

Topic: Date Accepted:

LETTER MEETS NEEDSSTANDARD IMPROVEMENT Biographical Information: This paragraph tells the reader

about the person writing the Proposal Letter. The reader should feel that they have gained insight into who is doing the writing. There should be a clear connection established between the student’s background information and what is being done for the Culminating Project.

Proposal: The product or performance should be defined and a quality proposal statement should be in this paragraph. This paragraph should describe the topic or focus of both the paper and the product or performance. Include here the research you propose to do that will lead to the successful completion of the product or performance.

Learning Stretch, Experience and Interest: This paragraph should include justification of why the selected product or performance will stretch your learning. Describe prior background, knowledge, skills and talents.

__________ Resources: This paragraph explains the materials and information sources the writer plans to use. Details will include projected costs.

__________ Plagiarism: This paragraph clearly indicates that the writer under-stands the expected ethical behavior and the penalty for any violation.

__________ Conventions: Zero spelling errors and follows rules of grammar and punctuation.

FORMAT: Complete as Y (Yes) or N (No)____ Letter Typed; ____ Block Style; ____ Margins (1”); ____ Correct Heading; ____ Date

____ Inside Address; ____ Salutation; ____ Signature Block; ____ Met Deadline; ____ Copy for Portfolio


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Advisor: Date:

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

As a parent/guardian, I recognize that all parts of the Culminating Project are requirements for graduation from Spokane Public Schools, and I intend to support my student throughout the process. Failure to satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Culminating Project will result in the student failing to meet this graduation requirement.

I understand that the project must be a product or performance which takes a minimum of 20 hours outside of school time to complete. The project should challenge my student’s current skills and knowledge and stretch his/her learning.

I fully understand that it is my student’s responsibility to select the project topic and it is not the school’s responsibility to assign a topic. The school will determine whether or not a student’s topic is appropriate.

Any academic dishonesty by the student on any part of the project may result in the student failing the Culminating Project and forfeiting graduation in June.

I have read the proposal letter. If the project is to be altered or changed, the student must write a revised letter.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Home Phone Work Phone

_______________________________________Cell Phone

__________________________________________________ Email Address

SPS: Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Spokane Public Schools 12

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Advisor: Date:

CULMINATING PROJECT

Portfolio Guidelines

Your Portfolio is a collection of evidence documenting your progress on the Culminating Project. Your Portfolio is due the day of your presentation and may be viewed by your presentation panel and attending audience. Make sure it is neat, organized, and well presented.

Portfolio Checklist

Title Page

Table of Contents

Proposal Letter Rubric

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Form

Learning Log

Researched Paper Rubric

Works Consulted

Documentation such as receipts for expenditures, interview notes, photographs of student working on the Culminating Project, and any further documentation you wish to include.

SPS: Culminating Project Portfolio Rubric Spokane Public Schools 13

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Advisor: Page_______of

CULMINATING PROJECT LEARNING LOG

The purpose of the Learning Log is for the student to record his or her authentic work to complete the project. Students must use the format below to account for a minimum of 20 hours of time. The log must be submitted to the advisor and placed in the project portfolio.

ENTER YOUR OWN INFORMATION

Date & Activity Time Spent on Activity

Narrative description of activity (must be detailed

enough that your work could be duplicated using the log)

Reflections on process and product (include feedback from peers,

parents, and others)

TOTAL THIS PAGE

SPS: Culminating Project Learning Log Spokane Public Schools 14

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SPS: I-Search Rubric (Format) Spokane Public Schools 14

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Advisor: Date:

CULMINATING PROJECT

I-SEARCH RUBRIC (FORMAT)

Proper heading on 1st page:Student’s name, instructor’s name, name of class, date

At standard Not at standard

Length of paper in 12 pt font (5-8 pages not includ-ing works cited page)


4 section headings At standard Not at standardDouble spaced At standard Not at standard1 inch margins on all sides At standard Not at standardHeader on each page except 1st: Student’s last name and page #


Works Cited begins on separate page


Overall assessment: At standard Not at standard


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Advisor: Date:

I-SEARCH RUBRIC (CONTENT)I. WHAT I ALREADY KNEW / WHAT I WANTED TO KNOW

Meets Standard Needs Improvement STANDARDIntroduction: Introduces topicPrevious knowledge: Explains what student already knows about the topic Research question: Narrows/focuses the topic with a clear research question

II. THE STORY OF MY SEARCH / THE SEARCH PROCESS

Meets Standard Needs Improvement STANDARDSequence of research steps: Includes sequence of research stepsMaterials and resources: Describes materials and resources usedEvaluation of materials and resources: Evaluates materials and resources

III. WHAT I LEARNED / THE SEARCH RESULTS

Meets Standard Needs Improvement STANDARDThesis: Thesis is clearly statedSupport for thesis: Findings support thesisCitations: All sources cited in text and easily located in work cited.

IV. WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME

Meets Standard Needs Improvement STANDARDReflection/Personal response to information: Explains how the new information affects thinking/actionsChallenges: Describes how challenges met led to growth

V. WORKS CITED

Meets Standard Needs Improvement STANDARDNumber and types of sources: Lists at least 4 sources of required types

SPS: I-Search Rubric (Content) Spokane Public Schools 15

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Advisor: Date:

CULMINATING PROJECT RESEARCH PAPER RUBRIC

Meets Standard Needs Improvement

Standard

ORGANIZATIONIntroduction

ENGAGING introduction provides RELEVANT background information.

Body MOST body paragraphs have topic sentences and transitions allowing the paper to FLOW LOGICALLY.FOCUSED AND CONTROLLED.

Conclusion Conclusion revisits thesis and main points.

CONTENTThesis

FOCUSED thesis shapes purpose of paper and matches content. Conveys an ATTITUDE.

Research Multiple sources CONSISTENTLY interwoven in body paragraphs demonstrating RELEVANT and THOROUGH support of thesis. Writer manages the information and avoids redundancy.

Voice Paragraphs show a BALANCE between student voice and researched info. Body paragraphs end with student’s observations or conclusion. Analysis of info shows an understanding of the topic.

DOCUMENTATIONCitations

All sources cited in text and easily located in work cited.

Works Cited All sources would be easy to locate again (author, title, source, date)

CONVENTIONS Grammar, word usage, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure errors SELDOM occur, and DO NOT OBSCURE MEANING.

SPS: Formal Paper Rubric Spokane Public Schools 16

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FORMAT: Complete as Y (Yes) or N (No)____ Proper Heading (1st page); ____ Length of paper (5-8 pages, not including works-cited

page);

____ Double-spaced; ____ Margins (1”);

____ Works cited – separate page; ____ Copy for Portfolio;

____ Head each page except 1st page with student last name and page number;


Advisor: Date:

CULMINATING PROJECT

Presentation Rubric

In order to successfully complete the presentation element of the Culminating Project, judges must be “convinced” that answers to the following questions are discussed by the student in the presentation.

Essential Questions Present Not Present

Comments

Why did the student do this?(rationale)

What did the student learn?(content)

What did the student do?(product/performance)

How did the student grow?(self-reflection)

Presentation Skills

For the purposes of providing feedback, which presentation skills were observed?


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Yes (ü)Appropriate attireAnswered additional questions wellPostureEye contactVolumeEnthusiasmGesturesTime management during presentation


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