Project GRADD at Bath Elementary Graduate: Ready and Digitally Driven

What is GRADD? GRADD is a new initiative/project created by Beaufort County Schools to address college and career readiness needs of middle school and high school students. The GRADD project is being implemented by many school districts in northeastern North Carolina.

WHY was GRADD developed? In recent years, high school students had to complete a “Senior Project” as a graduation requirement. This required students to select a topic, complete research and observations, write a paper, and present their findings to a committee. While the goal was to help students research a topic related to their interests and future career aspirations, this goal was not always met. At times, students selected topics they viewed as “easy”, or had not yet determined what career areas interested them.

WHY was GRADD developed? We recognized there was a need to foster students’ academic and career development in a way that could be well-documented. This would enable students to… learn about their interests receive assistance in choosing a career path gain experiences that would help them in their post-high school endeavors. Through the development of a GRADD portfolio, each student will have digital documentation of their experiences, awards, and work to share with colleges or perspective employers.

WHO created the GRADD Project? GRADD was developed by… Beaufort County Schools teachers Beaufort County Schools principals Beaufort County Schools assistance principals Beaufort County Schools counselors

What GRADE LEVELS are included in the GRADD Project? Students begin completing components of the GRADD Project beginning in 6 th grade and continuing until the completion of 12 th grade. There are different requirements for each grade level. GRADD components are short, simple tasks, many of which are being integrated into the curriculum.

What are the GRADD COMPONENTS for middle school? With the use of the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) website, students will… Create an individual account Complete a Learning Style Inventory Survey of 69 questions Address how they learn best, types of delivery methods, preferred room temperatures to work in, bright light vs dull light preferences, silent vs noise/music, eating or drinking preferences while studying, sources of motivation Helps students determine their optimal study environment

What are the GRADD COMPONENTS for middle school? Complete an Interest Profiler for career exploration Lists 180 “tasks” Students select “like”, “dislike”, or “not sure” Results reveal student’s top interest areas and corresponding careers Create a Career Development Plan

What are the GRADD COMPONENTS for middle school? In grades 6 th through 8 th, students will give two class presentations each year. One presentation on an English/Language Arts topic One presentation on a cross-curricular topic (Science/Social Studies/Career Info) “Soft skills” such as introductions, eye contact, accepting feedback will be documented

What are the GRADD COMPONENTS for middle school? In 7 th grade, students will meet with the School Counselor in a individual session to discuss post-high school plans. Approximately 5-10 minutes Discuss options (workforce, military, career/technical school, 4 year college/university) Talk about careers of interest Explain high school options

What are the GRADD COMPONENTS for middle school? In 6 th through 8 th grade, students’ accomplishments will be documented in their GRADD portfolio. Honor Roll (As/Bs) Good Attendance (10 absences or less) Extracurricular Clubs and Activities Duke TIP Recognition Participation in school sports

What are the GRADD COMPONENTS for middle school? College and Career Preparation Activities will also be documented in student portfolios: Job Shadowing Touring a college campus Attending a High School Curriculum Night Registration for 9 th grade Completion of ASPIRE Assessment

What are the GRADD components for HIGH SCHOOL? In high school, students will Tour college campuses Participate in job shadowing Take at least one online course Take at least one college course Take a financial literacy course Have the same homeroom teacher and school counselor each year in high school

WHERE will GRADD components be documented? Each middle school student will have a portfolio through Google docs. Teachers and other school staff will document their activities each year. In their 12 th grade year, students will download their electronic portfolios onto a flash drive, so they can share their work and accomplishments with prospective employers or colleges.

A year-by-year look at the GRADD Project Grades 6-8

6 th Grade In 6 th grade, students will Complete 2 class presentations (with skills documented) Create a CFNC account Complete a Learning Style Inventory on the CFNC website Document attendance and academic achievements Document extracurricular activities

7 th Grade In 7 th grade, students will Complete 2 class presentations (with skills documented) Complete the Interest Profiler on the CFNC website Meet in an individual session with the School Counselor to discuss career/education plans Document attendance and academic achievements Document extracurricular activities and school sports Document Duke TIP participation (if applicable)

8 th Grade In 8 th grade, students will Complete 2 class presentations (with skills documented) Complete a Career Development Plan Participate in Job Shadowing Tour a college campus Attend a Curriculum Night at the high school Document attendance and academic achievements Document extracurricular activities and school sports Document registration for high school and completion of ASPIRE assessment

Questions?