NORTH CAROLINA GRADUATION PROJECT

NORTH IREDELL HIGH SCHOOL

Key Components: The Four P’s

Portfolio Paper

ProductPresentation

The Portfolio

Collection of work from classes

Forms, documents, letters

Research process

Reflections and self-evaluations

rubric adapted by NIHS

Benefit: Organization skills

The Paper

Topic of the student’s choosing A researched argument; an analytical point-of-view paperTraditional research procedures including

MLA documentationRubric adapted by NIHSBenefit: Critical and analytical thinking

skills

The Product

o A “learning stretch”o Tangible/Intangibleo Extension of the researcho Monitored by community mentoro Rubric adapted by NIHSo Benefit: Time management and self-direction skills

The Presentation

Oral presentation of research and product

Panel of judges (school and community)

Specific time limit followed by Q & A

Visual aids to support information

Rubric adapted by NIHS

Benefit: Student growth and development

Impact on Our Students

Public Speaking

Written language

Presentation skills

Technology integration

Community involvement

Personal growth

Personal responsibility

Sample Topics

• Arts: Research a performer, composer, artist, choreographer, playwright

• Language Arts: Research Education, Investigate the broadcasting industry

• Health: Research community health agencies

• Math: Analyze the effect of tourism on the local economy, Research plant environments

More Topics

• Science: Flight, Stem cell research, Conservation, Water Quality

• Social Studies: Religions, Crime prevention, museums

SAMPLE PRODUCTS

• Choreograph a dance

• Teach an adult or child to read

• Volunteer with a community agency

• Build a mini greenhouse

• Put together an event to raise money for local charities

• Test the acidity in water after several rains and compare

More Sample Products

• Build an entertainment cabinet

• Make an article of clothing

• Construct an information box

• Landscape a yard

• Construct a model of a roller coaster

• Volunteer as an interpreter

Build the Skills Into All Content Areas

The Standard Course of Study for all disciplines promote the same skills necessary for the Graduation Project

Essential Questions

Research

Writing

Speaking

Listening

Evaluating

AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURESome Attributes of a

Future Ready Graduate

Critical thinker

Financially literate citizen

Strong Team Contributor

Effective Problem Solver

Knowledgeable global citizen

Health-focused life-long learner

Relationship builder

Self-directed responsible worker

Effective communicator

Creative/innovative thinker

Suggested Timeline

Ninth Grade: Narrow topics to 3

Begin Portfolio & ResumeTenth Grade: Continue work on Resume &

Portfolio

Narrow to final topic

Sign Contract

Complete Proposal Form

Suggested Timeline

Eleventh Grade: Continue to work on Resume and Portfolio

Select Mentor

Write paper-English 11

Complete Interview

Begin Product

Suggested Timeline

Twelfth Grade: Complete at least 15 hours on the product

Complete Portfolio

Complete Resume

Present Product to a panel of judges

Write Thank You notes