North Carolina Graduation Project

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North Carolina Graduation Project

• Millbrook High School

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What is a Graduation Project?

• Student guided learning
• Individualized learning for all students
• Performance based
• Based on 21st century learning skill
• Rigorous

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The project will be finalized in the senior
year.However, students will build the skills
necessary beginning in the ninth grade year.
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History of Graduation Project

• Began in Oregon by Carleen Osher
• Implemented school-wide by Osher in the late 80s
• SBOE passed NC mandate in 2005
• Only one high school in Wake county currently is
  completing the Graduation Project

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Four Components of Graduation Project

• Paper
• Product
• Presentation
• Portfolio

The Four Ps of Graduation Project
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Paper Requirements

• Has length of 8-10 pages
• Includes Works Cited
• Uses no fewer than 4 sources
• Research performed during Junior English
• Final paper completed in Senior English
• Will be graded using State Rubric

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Product

• Is a tangible extension of the research- a
  learning stretch
• Physical representation of the research topic
• Must involve a specific number of hours of effort
  (minimum 15 hours)
• Scored on a statewide rubric

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What could the product look like?

• Community Service Project
• Career Exploration
• Service to the School
• Artistic or Craft Project
• Working with Vehicles, Animals, Plants or Food
• Learning a New Art, Skill, or Sport

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Presentation

• Provides opportunity to reflect back over their
  learning and synthesize information acquired
  during all phases of the graduation project
• Gives the learner the opportunity to share their
  experience and expertise with community members.
• Allows for an increase in competence
• and accomplishment

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What is a portfolio

• The portfolio is a documentation of the students
  journey
• beginning with preparations,
• continuing with the paper and product, and
• ending with the presentation.
• Written and pictorial evidence of growth

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Student Timeline

• Identify a topic of interest during Junior
  English
• School based advisor assignment will take place
  2nd semester of Junior Year
• Summer begin work on product and maintain
  portfolio
• Complete research paper during Senior English
• Present 2nd quarter of Senior English

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MHS Graduation Project Information
Resources
PTSA newsletter
www.mhs.wcpss.net
School wide phone messages