SENIOR Graduation PROJECT Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School

WHAT A STUDENT MUST DO.… Graduation in the state of Pennsylvania: PSSA proficiency (writing, reading & math) Passing grades on local assessments & completion of graduation requirements Completion of a culminating project

Purpose Chapter 4 of the State Board of Education of Pennsylvania Regulations “…graduation requirements “shall include course completion, grades, PSSA proficiency, local assessments and completion of a culminating project…” The purpose of the culminating project is to assure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding

HISTORY OF OUR RESEARCH Approval from the school board in the spring of 2005-2006 National research and exposure to the “Senior Slide” and “Reinventing the Senior Year” and the college focus on the “whole student” versus just class rank/grade point average Project aligns with increase in graduation requirements and the need to create a relevant culminating experience 16 month investigation process Investigation of school districts locally/regionally with a culminating project for seniors Approx. 60 schools in the three county area – 40+ have a culminating project that is similar Site visits and meetings with high school counterparts Took the best aspects and eliminated the problem areas

The Course The Graduation Project/Seminar will be a .5 credit course required for graduation from HHHS beginning with the graduating class of 2010 (current juniors). *communicated since students were in 9th grade* The every other day (Red or Black Day) course will be broken into thirds. Graduation project seminar Outdoor education of 21st century skills Personal & social responsibility lab

The Course Embedded in the course will be a seminar that will provide guidance, ongoing assessment and analysis of the project.

The Course In addition, an Outdoor Education of 21st Century Skills & a Personal Responsibility Lab are included.

Outdoor Education of 21st Century Skills LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY COLLABORATION CREATIVITY INNOVATION SELF EMPOWERMENT PROBLEM SOLVING CRITICAL THINKING RESPONSIBILITY SOCIAL SKILLS FLEXIBILITY ADAPTABILITY COMMUNICATION TEAMWORK RISK TAKING AWARENESS

The Course In addition, an Outdoor Education of 21st Century Skills & a Personal Responsibility Lab are included.

WHAT IS ACCOMPLISHED? Provides for individual learning styles to be showcased Provides students with an opportunity to express ideas & talents The development of language communication skills Accountability and responsibility Provides a challenging, meaningful, and authentic experience Integration of skills, concepts, and data from the major disciplines in the student’s educational history Student ownership for demonstrating knowledge and understanding *maintain relevance yet be mindful of convenience*

TOPIC CHOICES & EXAMPLES Career Exploration = 30 practicum hours Opportunity to conduct in-depth investigation of a career path Bridges Program Student internship (above school required time) ECAT (Co-op – above and beyond school time) Community Service/Service Learning = 30 practicum hours Opportunity to explore ways to help community life – civic engagement Community Service/Service Learning (i.e. OxFam, Relay for Life, various fundraising and awareness efforts) Partnership Program (beyond time spent w/ HHHS) Numerous community outreach groups & organizations @ our school Personal/Creative/Performing Arts = 30 practicum hours Opportunity to create original works or demonstrate talent Choreographed routines, play direction, documentary, public performances, portfolios, exhibits, etc. Research = 30 practicum hours Opportunity for investigation or experimentation of a problem/question Scientific, sociological, etc.

F.A.Q. Can my son/daughter begin their project earlier than their senior year? Yes, students can begin as early as the summer between their junior & senior year. Can a student have their SGP experience without having had the class yet? Yes, students can complete their experience before having the class and during the class – but they cannot complete the experience after the class. Does the mentor have to be a teacher? Absolutely not! It can be someone in the scope and area of interest – however, it cannot be a parent.

F.A.Q. Can a student just start their project on their own? No, SGP must be approved prior to start date. This eliminates confusion over what is acceptable. When can a student begin? Students can submit proposals as early as May 18th for approval. Students can begin obtaining hours as early as the day after the last day of school (June 15). How will culminating projects be presented? In an expo style format at the end of each semester – opportunities will exist for make-ups to achieve proficiency. Can my son/daughter have early release to gain their practicum hours? Practicum hours are obtained outside of the normal school day

F.A.Q. How many hours can a student gain at one time? Students can obtain as many hours as they like – however they can only submit a maximum of five (5) hours per week towards their required 30 hours of practicum. This addresses procrastination yet allows for flexibility. How will this course be graded? Students will receive a traditional numerical & letter grade for this course. Each component must receive a passing grade to successfully complete the course. If a student fails the SGP will they graduate? No, it is no different than the requirements in place now. They will not have met the state guidelines and therefore will not receive a diploma.

F.A.Q. What if my child has a disability, injury or fear of heights, etc. – how will the outdoor component be graded? This is a challenge by choice curriculum – every student plays an active and significant role whether they are in the air or on the ground. The outdoor education aspect also includes activities that are not related to the ropes course.

GRADUATION PROJECT WEBSITE Or just go to the High School Web page ->Departments ->Graduation Project

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