Senior Project

Skip to: Senior Project Philosophy - Student Prerequisites - Student Objectives - Procedure - Criteria

Westlake High School

Senior Project Philosophy

The following is the philosophy behind the “Senior Project” for the 12^th grade English and Government classes at Westlake High School. The two disciplines of English and History, would like to give students the opportunity to participate in authentic education by having a final project during the second semester of the school year. It is our objective to not only avoid “senioritis,” but to allow students to form generalizations about their potential career paths outside of school. This proposed project will be a culminating assessment for their senior year. Our intention is to incorporate traditional and performance-based teaching and curricula strategies that merge with a foundation of strong basic knowledge and skills requiring a real world application. It is a challenging student driven, teacher-guided program. Students will have the opportunity to research something in which they have a passionate interest. By researching something that peaks their interest, their project becomes meaningful and useful when deciding on a major in college or a future career. The Senior Project will assist in building their confidence and pride. It will also aid and develop their time-management skills, while they gain expertise in balancing academic priorities.

Criteria

The Senior Project is an optional program open to all seniors who meet the established prerequisites.

I. Prerequisites for Students

a. Teacher recommendation

b. College bound

c. Appropriate grades

d. First semester:

i. No unexcused absences

ii. No outstanding obligations, fees, or fines

iii. No in or out of school suspensions

II. Objectives

a. To integrate skills required by the Ohio Content Standards in both English and Government

b. To display competency in reading, writing, and oral communication

c. To investigate and develop practical experience in prospective field

d. To prepare students with appropriate academic and professional experiences after high school

e. To strengthen the school and community bond

III. Procedure

a. 1^st Semester

i. Senior English: British Literature

ii. Senior Government

b. 2^nd Semester

i. Third Quarter

1. Senior English

2. Government

3. Field Study

a. Identify area of interest

b. Identify possible problems in area of interest

c. Select mentor and location of field experience

d. Identify Goals and Expectations

e. Journal 1

f. 10-15 Works Consulted

ii. Fourth Quarter

1. Senior Project

a. Student Portfolio

b. Research Paper

c. Oral Presentation

Westlake High School

Criteria for Senior Project

I. Student Portfolio (20% of culminating grade)

a. Timesheets

b. Monthly Calendar

c. Bi-weekly Reflective Journals

d. Mentor Evaluation

e. Weekly BLOG

f. Refined Works Consulted

g. Artifacts. Can be the following:

i. Notes or items acquired while in the field

ii. ID card

iii. Agenda for meetings etc.

iv. Video/Digital recordings

v. Pictures/Visual Aides

II. Research Paper (40% of culminating grade)

a. Identify 2-3 problems to research

b. Find 3 viable solutions to the identified problems

c. Thesis is due at the beginning of fourth quarter

d. Incorporates research and experience

e. Written in standard MLA format, 10-15 pages in length, double-spaced, not including Works Cited page.

f. 10-15 resources

g. Two interviews – one formal and one informal

III. Oral Presentation (40% of culminating grade)

a. Completed during assigned day of fourth quarter

b. Incorporates research and experience

c. Twenty-minute presentation to committee

i. Incorporates technology in presentation

ii. Follows guidelines for presentation. See attached checklist

d.    Committee includes the following:

i.      Faculty

ii.      Administration

iii.      Peers

iv.      Board of Education member/Community representative

BACK TO TOP