Senior Project Aligns with the national trend towards

Senior Project Aligns with the national trend towards performance-based learning and assessment Lisa Labella, Coordinator Office : A-137 Phone: 703 -228 -6666 lisa. labella@apsva. us

Senior Project: • is FOR CREDIT and a Graduation Requirement for ALL Wakefield students. • is a Capstone experience reflecting four years of high school learning and exploration • promotes curiosity, critical thinking, motivation, time-management, and independence • is neither test-driven nor teacher directed • helps prepare students for life after high school

Inspired VA Governor Terry Mc. Auliffe’s graduation requirement for performancebased projects utilizing the “ 5 Cs”: • • • Citizenship Communication Critical thinking Creative thinking Collaboration

Rationale for Senior Project • Student evaluations almost unanimously positive • Positive feedback from alumni • Not NCLB, SOL or test-driven • Valuable, practical life skills instruction and practice • Levels the playing field • Forges new staff/student/adult connections

Project Options • • Full year, full credit class Half year, half credit opposite an elective Independent study, full year Selective Elective option with half-year Senior Project credit • Urban Alliance Work Experience • AP Capstone Research

Time Senior Project does not require more hours or effort than any other class. • Outstanding: 135 -150+ documented hours • Pass: 105 -134 documented hours *Semester course: 68 -75+ and 53 -67 hours

Basic Requirements 3 -5 objectives 20 -30 hours/objective, 105 -150+ total hours • Research (online, print, • • interviews, documentaries, etc. New learning/instruction Community interaction Leadership Club participation/ interaction • Summer learning and • • enrichment opportunities Cultural/Travel experiences Online courses Civic duties Job shadowing opportunities

Basic Requirements (continued) • 105 -150 hours w/signatures in journal • Artifacts and evidence of activities • Document research using a variety of sources • Consultant from community • 6 -10 page expository essay in MLA format • 20 -25 minute oral presentation to panel • Audio/visual aids

Consultant Requirement A consultant is an expert in your subject area of research. • Every project must have a consultant. • Find a consultant early in your project. Ask for help if needed. • The consultant* agrees to • be a resource who offer suggestions, contacts, • reading materials, online sources evaluates your essay and attends your presentation. * Consultants are not EXPECTED to direct or guide your project. YOU design your own project and ask for what you need. This is about developing a positive working relationship.

Assessment of Projects • Carefully constructed rubrics for your • • Journal Essay Oral Presentation Audio-Visuals • Grades = Outstanding, Pass +, Pass, or Incomplete • Summer Institute required for students who do not complete their project

The Oral Presentation • Set up : 10 minutes • Presentation: 20 -25 minutes • Panel – TA (Teacher Advisor), Consultant, Student, Assigned Panelist • Q & A: 5 minutes • Photograph and log out: 5 minutes

Tips for Success… • Choose a topic wisely! Be creative, • • learn something new, and have fun. Start early and don’t procrastinate. Document everything that you do. Plan: Consider college applications, rigorous coursework, and testing Communicate, connect, and invest.

Organizations Looking for You • • Urban Alliance Arlington Sustainability/Zero Waste Projects Summer Gardening – crop donation to AFAC Columbia Pike Street Art Project Political Campaigns Volunteer Arlington/Volunteer Match Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC) student representative

Getting started early…. 1. Investigate classes, internships, lessons, travel opportunities 2. Complete Project Approval form and sign up for a meeting with Ms. Labella (A-137). 3. Email Ms. Labella (lisa. labella@apsva. us) if you have questions or didn’t manage to get your project approved in June 4. Buy a journal- 2 subjects 5. Utilize resource materials on Wakefield Website (Senior Project) 6. Get started – Journal requirements video linked on website