This is a challenging project, not only for the degree of difficulty but for the length and extent of the project. Students spend at least one year studying a specific topic. In English III, students write a research paper and start an e-portfolio for the project. In English IV, students find a mentor, produce a product, and then present the entire project to three community members for grading to determine graduation eligibility.
Please note that students in English III must successfully complete the Graduation Project Paper and required junior documents before receiving credit for the course and enrolling in English 4. Additionally, students must successfully pass the presentation in English 4 before receiving a diploma from Johnston County Schools.
Students are responsible for all due dates which are posted in class and online on the teacher's websites.
Components of the Graduation Project
Paper - This is a research paper that is completed in English III following the writing process. The content of the paper revolves around a debatable thesis, and the student synthesizes sources to produce a logical argument. Students must pass the Graduation Project in order graduate from a school in Johnston County. If a paper does not pass the paper and the student passes the course, the student will receive a 68 in the course until he or she submits a passing paper. There will be opportunities for re-submissions. If a student has not passed the course and the paper by the end of the school year, that student must attend summer school (for the paper or the course) to earn credit before being enrolled in English IV.
E-portfolio - All of the components related to the
project are stored on an e-portfolio that the students will create using
Google Sites. This portfolio will delineate the progress of the
student's work on this project and include documentation and pictures of
the process. All students are required to have Gmail accounts to
facilitate this project, and they should store all related documents on
Google Docs. For an example, view Hobie Noel's page:
Product - In English IV, the student will create a product or perform community service that is related to the topic of their paper. The product must show a "stretch" in academic learning. Students must go beyond a simple demonstration of knowledge. This product must reflect at least fifteen hours of actual student work, and will require the assistance of a student-selected mentor for guidance and support.
Presentation - Upon completion of the project in English IV, each student will present his/her project to a panel of three community members who will determine pass/fail of the project. The student will deliver a sophisticated speech with visual aids and his/her e-portfolio.
Pass/Fail - Students must pass the Graduation
Project in order graduate from a school in Johnston County. If a paper
does not pass the project and the student passes the course, the student
will receive a 68 in the course until he or she successfully meets the
requirements of the state rubric. There will be opportunities for
re-submissions. If a student has not passed the course and the project
by the end of the school year, that student must attend summer school
(for the project or the course) to earn credit before earning a diploma
in Johnston County.
Here is a copy of the Graduation Project packet; I recommend you
download, print a copy, and put it in your notebook.
Step 1: Finding a Topic
The Graduation Project
Cleveland High School
