Graduation Project

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Graduation Project

• Guidelines for the Class of 2010
• October 20,2009

2
Components of the GP

• A 5-7 page MLA research paper, which uses 5-7
  sources (only 1 internet and 1 general
  encyclopedia)
• A product which is an extension of your research.
  This portion requires students to work with a
  community mentor.
• A portfolio which compiles and showcases a
  students work through written and photographic
  evidence, throughout the GP process
• A 7-10 minute presentation for 3-4 community
  judges at the conclusion of English IV.

3
Appropriate topics will

• be of genuine interest to you
• be a learning stretch
• not be immoral, illegal, or contrary to CCS
  policies
• be approved by parents
• have 5-7 sources of available research
• be worthy of a 5-7 page paper, preferably with
  3-4 specific areas for development
• have available experts who are willing to serve
  as mentors
• lend themselves to a feasible product
• not be how to
• be approved by the HRHS steering committee

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What are the requirements of a product?

• Must be a learning stretch
• Must reflect a minimum of 15 hours. (This may
  include fieldwork time learning the skill as well
  as time creating the actual product.)
• Must be created with the assistance of an
  approved mentor
• Must illustrate a connection to paper topic and
  research
• Must demonstrate a connection to the real world.

5
What is a product?

• A product can be a physical creation
• build a guitar
• make a documentary
• create blue prints for a house
• develop a business plan
• write a childrens book
• plan, organize, and manage a fundraising
  event

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What is a product?

• A product can be an earned certification that
  meets the 15 hour requirement
• SCUBA Certification
• Fire Safety Level I Certification
• Motorcycle Drivers License Certification
• Hospice Volunteer Certification
• Red Cross Emergency Response Certification

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What is a product?

• A product can be a demonstration of an acquired
  skill to a third party
• Take salsa dancing lessons and demonstrate your
  skills to a girl scout troop
• Learn how to prepare sushi and hold a sushi
  tasting party
• Learn how to play the guitar and perform a song
  for your church

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How do I show proof of my product?

• Certifications and many physical products can be
  brought directly to school
• All demonstrations of acquired skills must be
  videoed (20-30 minutes in length)
• Videos, tri-fold boards, and/or scrapbooks may be
  used
• Ex lesson, fundraiser, interior design,
  volunteerism, etc.

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What is not a product?

• Visual presentation of research
• Simplistic visual aids, such as pamphlets,
  Powerpoints, tri-folds,etc.
• These items can enhance a product and may prove a
  product but cannot be the product.
• Generated by a paid position or other class
  assignments

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Class of 2010 Due Dates

• Topic and Product Proposals AND Mentor
  Qualification/Consent Forms
• For students in English III this semester, all
  forms are due together on Friday, Nov. 6 for
  those students who want to jump start their
  product over the summer
• No proposals will be accepted after this date
• Forms are available on HRHS website
• Must be typed
• Must have student, parent, and mentor signatures
• Must have all forms in order to reviewed by
  Steering Committee at this time
• Students taking English III in the spring will
  receive due dates during the spring semester
• I

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How do I learn more about GP

• Consult the CCS website
• Select Student Links
• Select High School Instruction
• Select Graduation Project Manual
• Contact your Graduation Project Coordinators
• krista.hodsden_at_cabarrus.k12.nc.us (Room 502)
• susan.clay_at_cabarrus.k12.nc.us (Room 741)

12

What will this cost?

• The Graduation Project should not be expensive!
• Some students choose topics and products that
  require additional expenses. Spending extra
  money is NOT a requirement.
• The Graduation Project can be successfully
  completed with little to no cost.
• Any financial hardships should be reported
  immediately to the Graduation Project
  Coordinators at your high school so they can
  assist the students.

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What to do to help

• Review the Graduation Project manual and sign
  required forms.
• Talk with your student about Graduation Project.
• Pay attention to the timeline to assist your
  student with meeting deadlines.
• Offer guidance with topic selection.
• Pay attention to cost, time constraints and
  transportation issues.
• Know and approve of your students mentor.
• Attend the parent information meetings.
• Routinely access the schools Graduation Project
  webpage.
• Offer support to your student while he or she is
  writing the paper, creating the product, building
  the portfolio and practicing for the
  presentation.
• Encourage your student to partner with an
  in-house advisor.