The North Carolina Graduation Project

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The North Carolina Graduation Project

• C. Reynolds High School
• 2007-2008

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Kelli Self, NCGP Trainer

• Librarian
• ACRHS NCGP Coordinator

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New SBE Exit Requirements, May 2005

• Class of 2010 required to successfully complete a
  Graduation Project
• Standardized rubrics across NC
• Paper of significant length
• Product that requires a significant amount of
  work
• Portfolio reflecting the process
• Presentation to a panel of community members

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Goals of the Senior Project

• Students will . . .
• acquire new knowledge
• practice Information Literacy skills
• practice time management
• apply communication skills
• solve problems
• persevere
• pay attention to detail

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Four Major Components

• Paper
• Five pages, five sources (minimum)
• Project
• 15-20 hours spent outside of class
• Portfolio
• Compilation of all written items
• Presentation
• Five to ten minutes with visual aid
• All items must be completed in order to pass
  English IV.

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The Process

• Students conference with English IV teachers and
  librarians.
• Students propose topics.
• NCGP Committee meets to evaluate topics.
• Students either proceed with approved topics or
  clarify/repropose topics.
• Once approved, students begin research.

• Students meet with Mentors and Experts throughout
  the semester to complete projects and practical
  experiences.
• Students draft research papers, complete
  projects, and prepare presentations in class and
  at home.
• Students practice presentations in front of
  class.

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What are your duties tonight?

• Read the portfolios.
• Listen to the presentations.
• Ask questions.
• Process-based
• Students are not yet experts
• Provide feedback on evaluation sheets.
• Let us know if you have suggestions.

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Tonights Schedule

• Attend training/dinner in the cafeteria.
• At 600 find your assigned room.
• Map in your packet
• All items needed are in your folders.

• Presentations begin at 700.
• Shake hands and introduce yourself.
• Ask questions.
• Fill out evaluation form (please provide
  comments).

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Process, continued

• After all students have presented, give all forms
  to the room host.
• Dont forget to fill out the Evaluation of
  Graduation Project Night.
• Join us for refreshments in the Media Center.

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Scoring the Presentations

• Evaluate the portfolio. Score on the matrix.
• Listen to presentation.
• Ask questions at the end.
• Room Host will provide the speech time.
• The teachers name is on the spine of the binder.
• Score each individual area.
• Please dont discuss your scores
• MAKE COMMENTS, PLEASE!!

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New Evaluation Tool

• In response to feedback, we have combined the old
  score sheet with the matrix we designed.
• Highlight or circle your choice.
• Teachers will calculate total scores.
• Focus on descriptors for separate areas.
• Please make comments.

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Scoring Matrix
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Scoring Matrix
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More on the Scoring Sheet

• Descriptors are generalities. There is some
  flexibility. Just choose the most appropriate
  description.
• Please, please, please, make comments.
• Did I mention that we really need you to make
  comments?

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Some information

• 160 students presenting this semester
• Five presentations per room
• Note about PowerPoint rooms we dont have
  enough equipment to spread them out among the
  rooms.
• Last presentation at 820
• Do not call your students early if your room runs
  ahead of schedule.
• Send your Room Host to the library (Command
  Center) if your room is running behind or you
  have a problem.
• Can also use the white phone to call the library
  (215).

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Things to remember

• Evaluation Matrix
• New this semester
• No total score
• No evaluation of project
• Paper and project connection may be broad.
• Questions for the Q A should be phrased to
  encourage the student to feel confident.

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In reference to past feedback

• To better show individual progress, some students
  have included their drafts in the portfolios.
• Students are encouraged to use note cards (or
  some sort of reference aid) during the
  presentations.
• Teachers require 2-3 drafts. If you find typos,
  that is a reflection of the students attention
  to detail (or lack of).

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One more thing . . .

• STUDENT CHOICE
• Students choose to follow through or to give the
  minimum amount of effort
• Let us know if you need ANYTHING.

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ACR Graduation Project Personnel

• Principal
• Dr. Regina Lambert
• Senior Teachers
• Kathy Bonyun
• Chris Gilbert
• Sam Summers
• Melisse Latini
• Suzi Pruett

• Community Coordinator
• Leigh Conaway
• Scheduling/Tech.
• Allen Kromer

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Thanks

• ACR PTSO
• Food donations
• AB-Tech
• Pepsi
• A. C. Reynolds JROTC
• Parents and students for refreshments
• A. C. Reynolds Custodial Staff
• YOU!

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Any Questions?

• kelli.self_at_bcsemail.org
• acrgradproject_at_bcsemail.org