Welcome to Advocacy Advocacy/Senior Portfolio Overview

Advocacy Advocacy meets for 30 minutes every Thursday after 2 nd period. Students will remain in the same advocacy class with the same advocacy teacher for 4 years

Goal of Advocacy The goal of Advocacy is to help all students to understand the importance of what they are doing now and its impact on the future.

Goal of Advocacy To help personalize the school environment by connecting students to a “small learning community”

Goal of Advocacy Support students with their academic endeavors, including Senior Portfolio preparation. Senior Portfolio

Goal of Advocacy Allow students to explore post- secondary college and career options.

Goal of Advocacy Provide support and guidance to students as they make critical life decisions.

Goal of Advocacy Help students to respect and appreciate diversity and to actively contribute to the PGHS community and the community at large.

What will I do in Advocacy? Lessons/Activities in 9 th grade advocacy will focus on the following: Teambuilding (building a learning community) Link Crew Activities Portfolio Completion High School Survival PGTV/ASB information

How will I be graded Advocacy grade is Pass/No Pass based on your participation in class Advocacy grade becomes a part of your permanent high school record (transcript) A “no pass” at any grade level cannot be changed later on The grade doesn’t affect your GPA but it is a reflection of your effort and can affect your competitiveness for college.

The Senior Portfolio In addition to Advocacy, you will also be enrolled in a Senior Portfolio 2014 class. This class is also a Pass/No Pass class based on completion of 3 Senior Portfolio assignments required during your Freshman year.

What is the Senior Portfolio? The Senior Portfolio is the culminating project of students’ high school career Senior Portfolio

Overview and Purpose It provides students with the opportunity to bring together all that they have learned in twelve years of school. Senior Portfolio

Purpose Students choose samples of their best works and create a portfolio that will showcase their unique talents, strengths and expertise. Senior Portfolio consists of four parts: 1.the portfolio, 2.community service hours, 3.the Reflective Research Essay, 4.the oral presentation. Students begin building their Senior Portfolio in ninth grade and it is a work in progress throughout their 4 years at PGHS.

Overview and Purpose Advocacy teachers will present lessons related to the Senior Portfolio in Advocacy Class Ms. Keplinger will answer any questions related to the Senior Portfolio. English 12 teachers will facilitate the process during their senior year. Senior Portfolio

Senior Portfolio - Final Grade The Senior portfolio is worth 25% of the student’s Term 2 weighted grade in English 12.

What is in the Sr. Portfolio? 3 main components

1. Best Work Samples Best Work Samples Freshmen will be required to complete 2 best work reflection windows

What is a Best Work Sample? Best Work Samples A “Best Work” Sample is an assignment, project or test that reflects one of the following: Growth – sample shows how you’ve grown &/or improved over time (i.e.. An improved grade or success in a class where you’ve struggled.) Strength – reflects your strengths as a student Future Plans & Goals - sample reflects your future plans after graduation (i.e. a project complete in CADD or Photography)

2. Reflection Window Reflection Windows A short reflective piece that explains why you selected this sample, a description of the assignment and how the sample relates to growth, strengths or goals. Each Best Work Sample must be accompanied by a typed “Reflection Window”

3. Community Service Community service is not a requirement, but without it you cannot earn an A on your Senior Portfolio. Students completing 55 hours of ‘approved’ community service will earn cords at graduation.

Community Service All community service hours must be pre-approved by Advocacy teachers. There are specific criteria for what is considered ‘community service.”

2. Community service hours Grade Level Hours Breakdown: Hours must be completed in full each school year in order for students to earn a community service cord. 9th grade: optional 10 th grade: 10 hours 11 th grade: 20 hours 12 th grade: 25 hours See Appendix B13 for a breakdown of community service hours for transfer students

What is the requirement for the Senior Portfolio at the end of each school year? At the end of each school year, students will write a “Summative Letter” which synthesizes all best works collected throughout the year.

Senior Year During your Senior year you will write a reflective essay on your portfolio and present your portfolio to a panel of judges.

Future Advocacy Lesson There will be more detailed lessons in future advocacy classes that will guide you through the process of completing and submitting a Best Works Reflection Window. You will also learn more about community service.

Information about Advocacy and the Senior portfolio requirements can be found on the school website. *Advocacy is listed under programs