1. Lisa Labella, Coordinator
Senior Project Aligns with the national trend towards performance-based learning and assessment
Lisa Labella, Coordinator
Office : A-137
Phone:

2. Senior Project:
is FOR CREDIT and a Graduation Requirement for ALL Wakefield students.
is a Capstone experience reflecting four years of high school learning and exploration
promotes curiosity, critical thinking, motivation, time-management, and independence
is neither test-driven nor teacher directed
helps prepare students for life after high school

3. Inspired VA Governor Terry McAuliffe’s graduation requirement for performance-based projects utilizing the “5 Cs”:
Citizenship
Communication
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
Collaboration

4. Rationale for Senior Project
Student evaluations almost unanimously positive
Positive feedback from alumni
Not NCLB, SOL or test-driven
Valuable, practical life skills instruction and practice
Levels the playing field
Forges new staff/student/adult connections

5. Project Options Full year, full credit class
Half year, half credit opposite an elective
Independent study, full year
Selective Elective option with half-year Senior Project credit
Urban Alliance Work Experience
AP Capstone Research

6. Time Senior Project does not require more hours or effort than any other class.
Outstanding: documented hours
Pass: documented hours
*Semester course: and hours

7. Basic Requirements
3-5 objectives hours/objective, total hours

8. Basic Requirements (continued)
hours w/signatures in journal
Artifacts and evidence of activities
Document research using a variety of sources
Consultant from community
6-10 page expository essay in MLA format
20-25 minute oral presentation to panel
Audio/visual aids

9. Consultant Requirement A consultant is an expert in your subject area of research.
Every project must have a consultant.
Find a consultant early in your project. Ask for help if needed.
The consultant* agrees to
be a resource who offer suggestions, contacts, reading materials, online sources
evaluates your essay and attends your presentation.
* Consultants are not EXPECTED to direct or guide your project. YOU design your own project and ask for what you need. This is about developing a positive working relationship.

10. Assessment of Projects
Carefully constructed rubrics for your
Journal
Essay
Oral Presentation
Audio-Visuals
Grades = Outstanding, Pass +, Pass, or Incomplete
Summer Institute required for students who do not complete their project

11. The Oral Presentation Set up : 10 minutes Presentation: 20-25 minutes
Panel – TA (Teacher Advisor), Consultant, Student, Assigned Panelist
Q & A: 5 minutes
Photograph and log out: 5 minutes

12. Tips for Success…
Choose a topic wisely! Be creative, learn something new, and have fun.
Start early and don’t procrastinate .
Document everything that you do.
Plan: Consider college applications, rigorous coursework, and testing
Communicate, connect, and invest.

13. Organizations Looking for You
Urban Alliance
Arlington Sustainability/Zero Waste Projects
Summer Gardening – crop donation to AFAC
Columbia Pike Street Art Project
Political Campaigns
Volunteer Arlington/Volunteer Match
Joint Facilities Advisory Commission (JFAC) student representative

14. Getting started early….