1. Berkeley County School District
Capstone Experience
Brenda Blackburn, Superintendent
Dr. Kevin O’Gorman, Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Lee Westberry, Principal, Cane Bay High School

2. Purpose
When examining the Profile of the SC Graduate, we looked at the current curricula and soft skills that are taught within the high school curriculum. We found that we did not entirely meet the demands. Therefore, we sought to find a way to make an experience meaningful and useful to our students as well as to our community. We felt that a Capstone Experience would serve multiple functions in preparing our students for the next step, all the while fulfilling the requirements of the profile.

4. Who? Team Approach
Representatives from across the district high schools
(BHS, CHS, CBHS, SHS, THS, GCHS)
District representatives (ELA, CTE, Guidance)
Met once a month for over a year
Sonya-Addison Stewart, Tana Lee, Laura Garner, Patricia Weeg, Bertha Washington, Angela Burnett, Mike Timko, Lee Westberry

5. What? Existing Tools STEM Premiere Platform Portfolio of Experiences
Digital Portfolio
IGP Data
Options
Wanted to use something affordable…what is more affordable than free?!
The portfolio challenge was to ensure that we selected items that would demonstrate the skills necessary found in the profile of a graduate, and these tasks had to be something that was accessible for ALL students across the county.
We chose a digital portfolio because it will follow the student beyond high school as well as be accessible if students transfer within the district.
Needed to make sure we had lots of options and even more options
Parents would be made aware of the course and the options would be discussed during IGP meetings each year. This way progress is monitored at home as well. Parents and our community will be able to see the direct ties between what students learn in school and the next steps. We always say we are most concerned about what comes next..preparing our students to truly be college and career ready. This way parents can participate in more of the decision making process.

6. Content? Required Menu Options – Pick 4 Service/Leadership
SCOIS or other career assessment
Work Keys Credential
Job Shadowing
Resume
Cover Letter
Interview
Transcripts
IGP
References
College and Industry tours
Reflections for all
Service/Leadership
Industry Certifications
Interviews
Internship/Apprenticeship/Co-Op
Career-Related Employment
Organizational PD (conferences/conventions/competitions)
Club membership
Test Prep Courses
Scholarship Applications
Reflections for all
We knew that some students might have difficulty with job shadowing or college and/or industry tours; so we allowed for virtual job shadowing and virtual tours. Each assignment has clear expectations, formats, etc. outlined in the course description.
The team decided some experiences should be SR. Only status, such as the transcript, IGP and resume.

7. When? Grades 9-12 School Choice Example: CBHS model Student Choice
Assess as Go
Carnegie Unit
The portfolio follows students for all 4 years in high school. Students who transfer in have the option to complete the portfolio at any time.
The team developed comprehensive rubrics for all assignments for the assessment pieces. We labored over the rubrics so that a non-English teacher could use them successfully.
The motivation for students is to have the portfolio and earn an additional Carnegie Unit.

8. Important to Note Future Plans Honors Delineation
In speaking with business partners, they are excited by the idea and feel that this portfolio would be a great way to showcase students’ skills and readiness for the next step.
The hope is that once we get this course in the curriculum guide, we can petition the state to allow this course to count in the CTE completer program. 4 units vs. 3.

9. Questions? Comments?