Goals of the Graduation Project
A goal of the Graduation Project is to challenge the student to go beyond those learnings that occur as the result of his/her prescribed educational program. The student is challenged to complete a project that demonstrates his/her intellectual, physical and creative abilities. In doing so, the student will be fulfilling a second goal that relates to the Pennsylvania Curriculum Regulations. Chapter 5 Sect. 5.214 states that students will “apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding.” The Graduation Project provides a forum for students to fulfill these requirements.
Personal growth and satisfaction are additional goals associated with the Graduation Project. The student will derive a sense of accomplishment through the completion and “ownership” of a body of work that is a reflection of his/her interests and abilities. Opportunities to expand his/her personal knowledge, explore career paths, and apply learning to real-life situations will serve to benefit the student’s growth and promote lifelong learning.
ELCO High School Graduation Project
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Kenneth KrauseAdministrator for the ELCO High School Graduation Project
Definition of the Graduation Project
The Graduation Project is a major undertaking that must be successfully completed as part of a student’s graduation requirements. Working in concert with a faculty advisor, a student will develop and complete a project of educational significance. Although various forms of assistance will be made available, the primary initiative for completion of the project lies with the students. Selection of a project topic will be derived from the student based on such factors as interest and knowledge; hence, few limits will be placed on what subjects a student may choose. While prior knowledge may be advantageous, a project topic should not be rejected solely on the basis of lack of background knowledge.
The Graduation Project is a major undertaking that must be successfully completed as part of a student’s graduation requirements. Working in concert with a faculty advisor, a student will develop and complete a project of educational significance. Although various forms of assistance will be made available, the primary initiative for completion of the project lies with the students. Selection of a project topic will be derived from the student based on such factors as interest and knowledge; hence, few limits will be placed on what subjects a student may choose. While prior knowledge may be advantageous, a project topic should not be rejected solely on the basis of lack of background knowledge.
Choosing a Graduation Project
When considering and deciding upon a graduation project, the student must keep in mind that there are certain qualifications that must be met if the project is to be accepted. The project must:
When considering and deciding upon a graduation project, the student must keep in mind that there are certain qualifications that must be met if the project is to be accepted. The project must:
- be independent of any school related project
- reflect district student learning outcomes
- involve some type of research
- demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply information
- demonstrate the ability to present information effectively
- be a learning activity
- benefit the student and/or society
Components of the Graduation Project
Every Graduation Project has 5 components. These components are:
Every Graduation Project has 5 components. These components are:
- a log of hours
- a journal
- a personal reaction paper
- a research paper
- an oral presentation
Types of Graduation Projects
Community Service
The community service project will provide the student with an opportunity to explore ways to enhance community life. This project requires the student to find an acceptable mentor closely related to the chosen community service to assist and guide the student through the actual community service work.
The community service project will provide the student with an opportunity to explore ways to enhance community life. This project requires the student to find an acceptable mentor closely related to the chosen community service to assist and guide the student through the actual community service work.
- child care
- tutoring
- political issues
- support groups
- elderly care
- enviroment
- other service projects approved by the advisor
Career Research
The career research project will provide the student with the opportunity to explore a career field. The project intends to expose the student to different professions within a career field and allows for investigative study for future reference in choosing a career path after graduation.
The career research project will provide the student with the opportunity to explore a career field. The project intends to expose the student to different professions within a career field and allows for investigative study for future reference in choosing a career path after graduation.
- medical
- legal
- automotive
- cosmetology
- computer technology
- engineering
- social services
- other career fields aproved by the advisor
Academic Research
The research project will provide the student with the opportunities to investigate and research techniques. The project requires the student to find an academic mentor at the high school who will assist and guide the student through the researching process.
The research project will provide the student with the opportunities to investigate and research techniques. The project requires the student to find an academic mentor at the high school who will assist and guide the student through the researching process.
- genealogy
- science
- literature
- history
- psychology
- medicine
- business
- language
- other career fields aproved by the advisor
Creative Study
The creative study project will offer the student the opportunity to exhibit, demonstrate, or perform in the area of the arts. This project requires the student to find a mentor skilled in the area of the creative study to assist and guide the student through the creative study.
The creative study project will offer the student the opportunity to exhibit, demonstrate, or perform in the area of the arts. This project requires the student to find a mentor skilled in the area of the creative study to assist and guide the student through the creative study.
- an original or interpretive work of art creation or demonstration
- an original or interpretive musical composition
- an original or interpretive dance performance
- a creation or demonstration within the culinary arts
- a creation or demonstration of a floral design
- an original design or reproduction of a period piece of furniture
- a demonstration of an equestrian showmanship
- other career fields aproved by the advisor