1. NORTH CAROLINA GRADUATION PROJECT NORTH IREDELL HIGH SCHOOL

2. Key Components: The Four P’s PortfolioPaper ProductPresentation

3. The Portfolio  Collection of work from classes  Forms, documents, letters  Research process  Reflections and self-evaluations  rubric adapted by NIHS  Benefit: Organization skills

4. The Paper  Topic of the student’s choosing  A researched argument; an analytical point-of-view paper  Traditional research procedures including MLA documentation  Rubric adapted by NIHS  Benefit: Critical and analytical thinking skills

5. The Product oA “learning stretch” oTangible/Intangible oExtension of the research oMonitored by community mentor oRubric adapted by NIHS oBenefit: Time management and self-direction skills

6. The Presentation  Oral presentation of research and product  Panel of judges (school and community)  Specific time limit followed by Q & A  Visual aids to support information  Rubric adapted by NIHS  Benefit: Student growth and development

7. Impact on Our Students Public Speaking Written language Presentation skills Technology integration Community involvement Personal growth Personal responsibility

8. Sample Topics Arts: Research a performer, composer, artist, choreographer, playwright Language Arts: Research Education, Investigate the broadcasting industry Health: Research community health agencies Math: Analyze the effect of tourism on the local economy, Research plant environments

9. More Topics Science: Flight, Stem cell research, Conservation, Water Quality Social Studies: Religions, Crime prevention, museums

10. SAMPLE PRODUCTS Choreograph a dance Teach an adult or child to read Volunteer with a community agency Build a mini greenhouse Put together an event to raise money for local charities Test the acidity in water after several rains and compare

11. More Sample Products Build an entertainment cabinet Make an article of clothing Construct an information box Landscape a yard Construct a model of a roller coaster Volunteer as an interpreter

12. Build the Skills Into All Content Areas The Standard Course of Study for all disciplines promote the same skills necessary for the Graduation Project Essential Questions Research Writing Speaking Listening Evaluating

13. AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE Some Attributes of a Future Ready Graduate Critical thinker Financially literate citizen Strong Team Contributor Effective Problem Solver Knowledgeable global citizen Health-focused life-long learner Relationship builder Self-directed responsible worker Effective communicator Creative/innovative thinker

14. Suggested Timeline Ninth Grade: Narrow topics to 3 Begin Portfolio & Resume Tenth Grade: Continue work on Resume & Portfolio Narrow to final topic Sign Contract Complete Proposal Form

15. Suggested Timeline Eleventh Grade: Continue to work on Resume and Portfolio Select Mentor Write paper-English 11 Complete Interview Begin Product

17. Suggested Timeline Twelfth Grade: Complete at least 15 hours on the product Complete Portfolio Complete Resume Present Product to a panel of judges Write Thank You notes