Sr+Grad+Project

Guidelines for the Senior Graduation Project

Advisors: Ms. Jennifer Rieger Ms. Kim Oren Mr. Tom Schurtz

Upper Merion Area High School

Prepared by the UMAHS English Department

Graduation Project:

“The Upper Merion Area School District, in partnership with the community it serves, is committed to empowering each and every student to be a productive and responsible citizen in a diverse, global society by providing high quality programs to meet the needs of all students, excellent teaching to foster individual achievement, and dynamic, responsible leadership to maximize our community resources.” Pennsylvania Department of Education's Definition of Graduation Project "Each school district (including charter schools) shall specify requirements for graduation in the strategic plan 4.13 (relating to strategic planning). Requirements shall include course completion and grades, completion of a culminating project, and results of local assessments aligned with the academic standards. ..The purpose of the culminating project is to assure that students are able to apply, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding" (Chapter 4.24). Goals of the Senior Graduation Project • Provide students with choices so he or she can demonstrate strengths • Create a valid, equitable, and reliable learning experience for all students • Create an opportunity for students to self-direct and reflect on their work • Encourage students to explore a topic of personal interest to promote lifelong learning skills Objectives • Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively incorporate technology. • Students will demonstrate the ability to plan. • Students will demonstrate effective writing skills. • Students will analyze topic specific research. • Students will evaluate appropriateness of sources. • Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally. • Students will apply research based information by creating a new and meaningful product. VERY IMPORTANT!!! The Senior Graduation Project cannot be a project you would normally complete in your regular coursework. Submitting work from another class, an independent study, service learning class, or from the tech school without the permission of the instructor is a form of plagiarism and will result in the same consequences.

Students may not accept payment for their work.

Advisors: The advisor for the senior graduation project will be the student’s twelfth grade English teacher. The role of the advisor during the twelfth grade year is to meet with the student to: • discuss project proposal. • facilitate the research element. • assist the student in completing the annotated bibliography. • collect and discuss progress report and SGP portfolio. • collect and review presentation outline. • review all portions of project and discuss final presentations.

Mentor: It is recommended that students will have a mentor; however, it is not required. The role of the mentor is to: • give the necessary guidance to the student • meet periodically with the student to assess progress and provide feedback through a mid-year checklist • facilitate meetings with professionals in the appropriate field (if applicable) • sign building permit forms and chaperone individual student-sponsored SGP events (if student is using district facilities after school hours)

A student identified as having difficulty at any point during the SGP process will be given a teacher-assigned mentor through the Upper Merion Area High School Mentoring Program. In addition, any student requiring the after hours use of district facilities is required to have a mentor. (See “Use of District Facilities” Appendix A.)

Graduation Project: Recognizing each individual teacher has his or her own method of grading students, below is a grade equivalency for assignments related to the Graduation Project.

Grade Equivalency for Assignments Graduation Project Proposal = 100 points Annotated Bibliography = 200 points Portfolio (1st submission) = 200 points Presentation Outline = 100 points Presentation (Including completed portfolio)= half of the fourth quarter grade and half of the final grade


 * There will be a 50% penalty for any assignment that is one day late. If any student is absent due to illness, the assignment must be e-mailed to the instructor by the student’s class period.

Timeline for 2007-2008 Monday, September 8th SGP Introduction Thursday, October 16th Graduation Project Proposal Thursday, November 20th Annotated Bibliography Thursday, February 26th Portfolio (Submission 1) Thursday, April 2nd (and on-going) Presentation Outline Tuesday, April 14th Presentations begin/ Final Portfolio submission (at the discretion of instructor) Possible Options for Senior Graduation Project

• Service Learning Project (organize a community event, design a service project, organize a science fair, volunteer at a shelter, intern with a company or school) • Curriculum-Related Project—Action Research (design a website, write a screenplay and have it performed) • Science Project: Conduct independent research for science related projects. See one of the Physics teachers for further details. • Entrepreneur Project (create an investment portfolio, invent and market a new product or service, start your own business in the community or on E-bay)

VERY IMPORTANT!!!


 * This project will be half research oriented and half application of learned material. In other words, students MUST create something new with the knowledge they have acquired from the research. ***

Components of the Senior Graduation Project • Graduation Project Proposal Students will describe their proposed topic. Using the answers to the "Project Proposal" handout, students will create a two to three (2-3) page paper (double- spaced) detailing why they selected their topic, personal relevance, steps necessary to complete the project, and the form of the final project. Students will be graded on the written proposal according to the attached rubric. • Annotated Bibliography An annotated bibliography includes full source information and a brief summary of the source's main points or arguments, typically five to seven sentences in length. Students will locate seven sources relevant to their topic. At least two of the sources must be books. Students are required to word-process and use MLA format. Students will be graded on the annotated bibliography according to the attached rubric. • Portfolio

The SGP Portfolio will be a binder that details every aspect of the student’s project, from beginning to end. All graded and non-graded materials will be kept in plastic sheet protectors and will detail a comprehensive guide to your project. • Power Point/Keynote Presentation Slides The Power Point or Keynote slides will convey exactly what information will be covered during the slideshow portion of the presentation. • Presentation Outline Students will complete an outline that details every aspect of the presentation with time estimates. This will be the script used when practicing for the final presentation. The outline will follow standard MLA outline format. Please see MLA manual for specific • Presentation All students will be required to present their projects for review. The presentation must be at least 25 minutes in length. (The Power Point Presentation itself must be at least 20 minutes and will have approximately 20 slides. This does not include video clips or audio recordings. The class activity should be at least 5 minutes.) Students will be graded according to the attached rubric. Students are required to provide a lesson plan (presentation outline) to their instructor at least two weeks before the presentation. The presentation must incorporate visuals and technology. PLEASE NOTE: A QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD DOES NOT COUNT FOR TIME. SGP Project Proposal

Please answer the following questions in a word processed document. (Essay format)

1. Why is this topic important to you and to others? 2. Describe what you plan to research. 3. What do you plan to create based on this research? (This is your application component!) 4. What steps will you need to take to complete your project? 5. How does this particular topic or project reflect your abilities and interests? 6. What do you hope to learn from this project? 7. What resources will you use to complete your project? (Be as specific as possible.)

(See Proposal Rubric) SGP Annotated Bibliography: An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) description and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author's point of view, clarity, and appropriateness of expression and authority. When creating an annotated bibliography, you will be required to use your evaluative skills to find appropriate materials as well as critical analysis skills to evaluate the materials. Step One: Locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. After perusing the materials, select works that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic. Step Two: Cite the book, article, or document using the MLA style format. Step Three: Write a concise annotation summarizing the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that: (1) evaluate the authority or background of the author (2) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited and explain how this work impacts your topic Sample Annotated Bibliography for a Journal Article Waite, Linda J., Frances Kobrin Goldscheider, and Christina Witsberger. "Nonfamily Living and the Erosion of Traditional Family Orientations Among Young Adults." American Sociological Review 51 (1986): 541-554. The authors, researchers at the Rand Corporation and Brown University use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women and Young Men to test hypothesis that nonfamily living by young adults alters their attitudes, values, plans, and expectations, moving them away from their belief in traditional sex roles. They find their hypothesis strongly supported in young females, while the effects were fewer in studies of young males. Increasing the time away from parents before marrying increased individualism, self-sufficiency, and changes in attitudes about families. In contrast, an earlier study by Williams cited below shows no significant gender differences in sex role attitudes as a result of nonfamily. Requirements

• At least seven sources • Annotations must be five to seven sentences in length. • Only two sources may be websites • Double-space annotations • Must use MLA format • Be on time!!

(See Annotated Bibliography Rubric)

SGP Portfolio The SGP Portfolio will be a binder that details every aspect of your project, from beginning to end. All graded and non-graded materials will be kept in plastic sheet protectors and will detail a comprehensive guide to your project.

Portfolio Submission 1: Thursday, February 26th On this day, each student will submit a binder with the following contents: • Thesis statement • Graded proposal • Graded annotated bibliography with attached revisions • At least fifteen content-rich Power Point slides ➢ Print out three slides per page ➢ MLA parenthetical documentation on each slide ➢ Have a “notes section” next to each slide illustrating your research/application content • Three ideas for class activity • Supporting evidence (Articles printed out and in plastic sheet protectors. This should be a significant part of your portfolio.)

Portfolio Submission #2: (To be submitted on assigned presentation day) On this day, each student will submit a binder with the following contents: • All of the above items • Presentation Outline • ALL Power Point slides (handout style)

(See Portfolio Rubric)

SGP Presentation Outline Approximately two weeks before senior graduation project presentations commence, students will submit a sentence-outline detailing the specific elements of their presentations. The outline will be in proper MLA format and must include thesis, research, application, class activity, and full MLA citations. Sample format:

(See Outline Rubric)

Senior Graduation Project Presentations

Each senior will be given one class period to instruct the class on the important aspects of his or her project. Keeping in mind that this is a graduation requirement, seniors need to recognize the serious nature of the presentations for the entire class. Please keep in mind the following tips when presenting:

➢ Presentations must be at least 25 minutes to receive full credit. At least 20 minutes of the presentation will be teachable content. (This does not include set-up time.) If a presentation falls between 20 and 24 minutes, the grade will automatically drop by one letter. Any presentation that is under 20 minutes will receive an automatic failure and the student will have to present to a panel of teachers and administrators. Question and answer session does not count for time.

➢ Please convey the application component to the fullest. The instructor evaluating the project must have proof that you applied your research!

➢ All presentations must have a class activity. This is the portion of the presentation where your classmates get to be involved in the project. The activity must be designed so that all classmates can participate. Most class activities take approximately five minutes.

➢ Presentations may not exceed 45 minutes. Students will be evaluated on the quality of material presented in one class period. Pay attention to timing!

➢ Professional attire is required. A good rule of thumb is to dress as you would for a professional interview. (Men will wear a shirt and tie, women either professional skirts or pants suits.) Please note that if a student is in violation of the school dress code, that student will automatically fail. Exceptions may be made if a student is demonstrating a particular skill that would require a professional uniform. (i.e. changing oil, cooking a meal, etc.)

➢ There are no make-up days in the classroom. If you have a medical excuse, you will need to schedule a time to present to the panel of teachers and administrators.

➢ The teacher is not responsible for your technological needs or securing alternate SGP locations. Please make arrangements for additional laptops, LCD projectors, and stereos in advance. (See Appendix B)

➢ Power Point/Keynote slides must be saved to TWO separate locations.

➢ Please review the Presentation Rubric before you present to the class.

Oral Presentation Rubric

Name ______________________________ Start time: ________ End time: __________(Project must be 25 minutes)

Research Content __________/25 Communicates supporting information or data 1 2 3 4 5

Communicates importance, value, and impact 1 2 3 4 5

Offers a thorough and perceptive analysis, 1 2 3 4 5 Synthesis, and evaluation

Evidence of cited research in presentation 1 2 3 4 5

Clearly focused around controlling idea (thesis) 1 2 3 4 5

Application Content__________/25 Conveys synthesis of research 1 2 3 4 5

Shows creation of new product/ idea/ theory 1 2 3 4 5

Benefits others and/or inspires new perspective 1 2 3 4 5

Offers a new/ different perspective or analysis 1 2 3 4 5

Class activity extends knowledge 1 2 3 4 5

Portfolio __________/15 Includes all required components 1 2 3 4 5

Professional/ creative appearance 1 2 3 4 5

Clear evidence of a year’s worth of work 1 2 3 4 5

Conventions __________/15 Grammar and mechanics 1 2 3 4 5

Correct use of parenthetical citations/MLA format 1 2 3 4 5

Reflects an organizational structure 1 2 3 4 5

Clear phrased transition 1 2 3 4 5

Visual/Technology__________/10 Demonstrates effective use of technology/visual 1 2 3 4 5

Technology/visual well incorporated into the presentation 1 2 3 4 5

Visual/technology extends content material 1 2 3 4 5

Creativity __________/5 1 2 3 4 5

Professionalism __________/5 1 2 3 4 5

Comments:

{Appendix A} Senior Graduation Project- Use of District Facilities

Planning an event that will use school facilities (auditorium, LGI, athletic fields, gyms) during non-school hours requires advanced planning and preparation in order to ensure a safe and successful event. Students whose projects include the use of district facilities must adhere to the following guidelines: ➢ A “Permit for Facilities Use” form must be submitted to the High School Activities Office for pre-approval at least three weeks prior to the event. ➢ A school staff member (SGP mentor) must be listed on the permit as the responsible individual who will be present at the time the facilities are being used and who accepts responsibility for adherence to district regulations. Students may not list themselves on this part of the permit. ➢ All events associated with outside groups or organizations require that they provide their insurance certificate as part of the permit. ➢ Do not publicize or promote your event until you have received an approved permit form returned to you. Getting your permit submitted as early as possible will maximize your time to publicize the event. ➢ You must notify the Activities Office immediately if you plan to cancel an event. ➢ Pre-selling tickets for admission is the preferred method of ticket sales so that you can have a good estimate of expected attendance. ➢ A proper amount of chaperones should be secured prior to the event. A ratio of 1 chaperone to every 50 attendees is appropriate for most events. A greater number of chaperones may be needed depending on the type of event. Security or police presence, paid for by the organizer, may also be necessary for larger crowds. ➢ Use of the auditorium requires having someone available who knows how to use the house lighting and sound systems. ➢ Proper accounting should be kept for all fees collected and for what purpose they are being used. (Charity donation, set-up costs, etc.) The student’s mentor will hold all funds and will oversee costs. ➢ If you want to use district facilities during school hours, this can be arranged through the Activities Office without a permit. If you have received a signed permit from Ms. Harvey in the Activities Office, please submit this form to your instructor. Signing below indicates that you understand and will adhere to the policy above. __________________________________ ______________________________________ (Student signature) (Ms. Harvey’s signature) _ ________________________________ (Student name- printed)

__________________________________ ______________________________________ (Date of event) (Mentor’s signature) {Appendix B} Senior Graduation Project

Use of Building Facilities During School Hours Use of District Audio-Visual Equipment and/or Technology

All SGP presenters will have access to their instructor’s computer and classroom LCD projector/screen during the time of presentation. If you choose to present in a separate location, such as the auditorium, gym, or LGI, you must arrange for your own AV/ technological needs. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

➢ You must arrange for the use of building facilities on your own. See Ms. Harvey for the LGI or auditorium, Mr. Dodds for athletic fields or gyms, Ms. Nardelli for the library classroom, and Mr. Megless for the parking lots. ➢ Please take into account time for set-up and clean-up. If you need extra time before or after your presentation, you must talk to the teachers of those particular classes for approval. ➢ Leave the facilities in the condition in which you found them. Grade penalties will be issued for students leaving a building space in an undesirable condition. ➢ See Mr. Larkin if you require a portable laptop cart, screen, speaker, or DVD player. You must take all equipment back to Mr. Larkin at the end of your presentation. ➢ See Mr. Schurtz if you require use of the microphones and/or light system in the auditorium.


 * If you choose to request the assistance of the staff members listed above, please be kind and courteous. It is not in their job description to cater to Senior Project needs—they do it to help and support the senior class and the 12th grade English teachers.


 * Please ask the above staff members AT LEAST THREE WEEKS in advance if you need any of the above services.


 * Signing below indicates that you understand the policy above. Please obtain the necessary signatures and submit this form to your SGP instructor.

__________________________________ ______________________________________ (Student signature) (Staff signature)

__________________________________ ______________________________________ (Student name- printed) (Date of request)

Additional staff signatures: (if applicable)