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Mid-East Career and Technology Centers

Table of Contents

Participants...................................................................................................4

Responsibilities of Participants.....................................................................5

Suggested Timeline......................................................................................8

Student Activities Section.............................................................................9

Senior Project Commitment Form and Due Dates.....................................11

Senior Project Journal Log.........................................................................12

Senior Project Journal Entry Log................................................................13

Choosing a Senior Project..........................................................................14

Senior Project Topic Selection Sheet.........................................................16

Formatting Letter of Intent..........................................................................17

Appeals Process........................................................................................18

Mentorship..................................................................................................19Choosing a Product Mentor........................................................................................19

Contacting a Mentor for an Interview..........................................................................19

Tips for Interviewing Your Mentor...............................................................................20

Senior Project Mentor Commitment............................................................................23

Mentor Appraisal Form...............................................................................................24

Mentor Final Verification Form for those completing a Physical Project.....................25

Parental/Guardian Permission to Work with Mentor During the Regular School Day.27

Permission Form for Missing Classes.........................................................................28

Mentor Time Log.........................................................................................................29

Speech Organization..................................................................................30

Speech Preparation....................................................................................30

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Mid-East Career and Technology Centers Senior Project

The Senior Project is an integral part of a student’s final year of high school. It integrates knowledge, skills and concepts from the student’s program of study into one culminating project. Individual projects are preferred, but group projects may be appropriate if each student in the group has specific and unique responsibilities. Although the product may be a joint effort, each presentation must be done separately. A senior project consists of a written research report, a major product and an oral presentation. School guidelines dictate how the projects are graded. The four components are:

Research paper — a formal paper that encourages students to develop and demonstrate proficiency in conducting research and writing about a chosen topic. A Senior Project Board at the school sets parameters for length, format, sources, writing style and other characteristics and gives final approval for the topic.

Product — a tangible creation based on choosing, designing and developing an item related to the student’s field of study. The product can be a service that would benefit the school or the community.

• The product should challenge the student, allow him or her to show applications of learning, and reflect that the student has spent substantial time completing it.

• A senior project adviser or a designee will approve the initial plans. • Each student will document his or her progress in a journal or log that will be

monitored regularly.• The student will select and work with a product mentor.

Oral presentation — a formal presentation of the project before a panel of judges. The presentation consists of:

• a speech;• an explanation of how learning was applied in developing the product; and• a discussion of lessons learned.

Portfolio – a collection of your work associated with the Senior Project

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Participants

The Senior Project Advisers (SPA) are the student’s senior English instructor and career technical instructor. These instructors monitor the quality of written materials and provide guidance throughout the project. He or she along with the career technical instructor approves the student’s topic which is submitted to the Senior Project Board for final approval.

A Product Mentor has expertise in the student’s field of study and commits to help guide the student in developing the product. Preferably, the mentor is a community leader or someone that is a professional in the topic area who can expand the school program through community involvement. Each student is responsible for finding a mentor. Contact may be made in person or through electronic media. The mentor should not be a family member.

The Senior Project Coordinator (SPC) at the school makes arrangements for the senior project and heads the Senior Project Board (SPB).

The Senior Project Board plans and coordinates the senior project process. Board members include a school administrator, an English teacher, a career/technical teacher, other teachers, HSTW site coordinator and the senior project coordinator. The Board gives final approval for senior project topics.

A Coordinating Teacher is any teacher who evaluates or grades any aspect of the project.

The Senior Project Evaluating Committee (SPEC) examines students’ research materials and products, hears the presentations, and provides evaluation results to the senior project coordinator. The committee includes business and community leaders, retired people and students as judges.

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Responsibilities of Participants

Students1) Confer, as needed, with the senior project adviser (the student’s senior English

and career technical instructors).2) Identify a topic. 3) Secure parental and senior project adviser approval for the topic. 4) Tentatively identify a product to build or produce or a service to perform.5) Relate the product or service to a career cluster area. 6) Select a product mentor —a person in the community and secure his or her

approval. 7) Collaborate with mentor on the research paper.8) Secure parental approval for the product. 9) Write a letter of intent to the Senior Project Board. 10)Develop a timeline for completion of all components of the senior project —

research paper, product or service, oral presentation, and follow-up activities. 11)Conduct research by using print and electronic media and interviewing

knowledgeable people. 12)Keep a journal or learning log to document all procedures, progress and steps,

including dates, time spent, status reports, etc.13)Assemble a portfolio of all journals, plans and learning experiences. 14)Get the Senior Project Board to approve any changes in the project.15)Write the research paper. 16)Provide a portfolio to the Senior Project Evaluating Committee.17)Prepare for the oral presentation. 18)Present the research in an oral presentation to the Senior Project Evaluating

Committee and respond to questions.19)Write a thank-you letter to each person involved in the senior project, including

the Senior Project Board and the Senior Project Evaluating Committee.

Senior Project Adviser (SPA)1) Approve the student’s topic.2) Guide the student through all components of the project.3) Instruct the student in the proper form and process for writing the research paper.4) Collect and evaluate all written documentation pertaining to the Student Activity

Checklist. 5) Review the first draft of the research paper and suggest revisions. (Involve other

coordinating teachers.)6) Evaluate the final draft of the research paper and assign a grade based on its

form and content.7) Instruct the student in the proper methods of oral presentation.

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Senior Project Coordinator (SPC)1) Chair the evaluating committee; including setting the agenda and updating the

Senior Project Evaluating Committee Manual.2) Facilitate and manage the procedures and practices of the senior project.3) Maintain a file of all the senior project activities, procedures and related

paperwork.4) Facilitate communication with and among faculty.5) Provide direct assistance to the faculty, senior project advisers and committee

members.

Product Mentor1) Approve product selection in coordination with the student’s senior project

adviser.2) Assist and advise the student in the technical aspects of research papers.3) Review the first draft of the student’s research paper in terms of content.4) Serve as a resource to the student in all stages of product development.5) Allocate time and make arrangements for the student to work on his or her

product as needed.6) Advise the student in planning his or her oral presentation.7) Evaluate the product or service.

Media Center Specialist1) Help students develop research strategies.2) Help students develop bibliographies.3) Help students locate research materials.4) Coordinate and schedule the use of computers.

Senior Project Evaluating Committee (SPEC)1) Read all reports prior to the presentations.2) Select a facilitator to return all presentation evaluation forms to the senior project

adviser and discuss individual student grades with the senior project coordinator or a designee.

3) Use established criteria in evaluating presentations.

Senior Project Board (SPB)1) Collect and publish a list of students and their topics.2) Arbitrate disputes and appeals.3) Inform the faculty of progress.4) Update and revise the senior project guidelines.5) Formulate policies for senior projects.6) Guide students.7) Establish guidelines for senior project recognition.

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8) Establish and train evaluation panels.9) Establish a schedule for oral presentations.10)Determine how senior projects will be evaluated and reflected in final grades.11)The High Schools That Work site coordinator will serve on this committee.

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Suggested Timeline

Week # Research Paper

Product or Service Presentation Portfolio

Item8 Orientation Orientation Orientation

9 Identify topic Begin product journal

Include letter of intent

12

Topic final approval

Begin research

Tentatively identify

product; get parental ok

Include research

notes

16

Preliminary draft; note

cards/outline due

Select product mentor

Include outline and

draft

18 Submit initial product plan

20Review project

status/journal

Review product

status/journal

Outline speech

presentation

22 Submit the final draft

Include one copy of final

draft

24 Design visual aids

Include visual aids

26Review product

status/journal

Include the journal

28 Journal and product due

Practice presentation

Include the journal

29Make

presentation to the

evaluating committee

Include grade and a

copy of Certificate of Completion

30Orient 11th

graders to the senior project

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36 Reflection Reflection Reflection

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Student Activities Section

Getting Started

All journeys begin with an important first step. The first step in a senior project is to choose a topic that interests you, will be fun to study and is worthwhile. Refer to the Student Activity checklist below and begin planning next steps as outlined in the checklist and the following pages.

Student Activity Checklist

Activity DueDate

Date Completed Comments

Commitment Form Student’s signature Parent’s signature Senior project adviser’s signature Product mentor’s signatureResearch Paper Topic Outline/note cards First draft Revision Final draftProduct Mentor identified Product plan submitted Parent’s approval of plan Cost analysis submitted Resources identified Procedures outlined Journal/learning log submitted Product completedOral Presentation Speech Outline submitted Note cards developed Speech/presentation practicedFollow-up Feedback received Thank you notes to advisers/mentors Portfolio completed

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Zanesville Campus400 Richards RoadZanesville, OH 43701

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Your son or daughter will be completing a senior project. The purpose of this senior project is to challenge all students and raise expectations to improve our students’ achievement, and provide a culminating activity for seniors to demonstrate the essential skills they should have before leaving Mid-East Career and Technology Centers.

The senior project will consist of four components completed throughout the year: a research paper, a product, a presentation and a portfolio. With respect to the senior project topic, each student will select a topic that relates to his/her program and approved by the instructor. Moreover, the topic must reflect a true learning experience in relation to his or her career technical program. Some work will be completed outside of class.

It is expected that each student take responsibility for completing a senior project. The English instructor and career technical teacher will serve as advisers during the senior project. The student may go to the instructor for help, assistance, and guidance. The student will select and work with a mentor during the process. The student is ultimately responsible for meeting deadlines and completing assignments.

The senior project is meant to be challenging but also rewarding and fun. In the end, it is my desire that the student feels a sense of pride, accomplishment, and achievement in completing the senior project. We will be asking students to obtain your permission as we work through the components of the senior project. I also hope that you as parents and guardians will take an active role in helping your child succeed with the senior project. If you have questions, please contact me. I can be reached via phone at (740) 454-0101 or via e-mail at kgarber@mid-east.k12.oh.us

Congratulations on your child’s accomplishments thus far. The senior project will be a very memorable one to add to the list. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Kelly Garber, English Instructor

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Senior Project Commitment Form and Due Dates

Due Date: _________________________

My senior student and I have read through the Senior Project Material. We understand that there are four components of the senior project, which include:

Research Paper-5-7 pages Product or Service Presentation Portfolio

We understand that Mrs. Garber’s assigned due dates and guidelines will be distributed through the course of the senior year and it is the student’s responsibility to meet deadlines. We understand program instructors will determine final due dates that align best with the curriculum of the program and will not necessarily be the same as other Mid-East Career and Technology Centers programs. We also realize this senior project must be completed as part of the grading system for the Career Technical Program.

If we have any questions throughout the year about the Senior Project, we understand that we may contact Kelly Garber at 740 454-0101 or email at kgarber@mid-east.k12.oh.us

Parent Signature Date:

Student Signature Date:

Parent E-mail Address

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Senior Project Journal Log

Throughout your senior project, you should reflect on your activities and learning. Keeping a journal will help you record important questions, ideas, and discoveries as you develop your senior project. Your entries will keep you focused and will provide a record of what you have accomplished ad what you will need to do next. The steps below will give you guidance in writing your journal entries.

What should I write in my journal?

• Senior Project ideas, plans, reflections, and questions • Informal notes • Accounts of conversations with your mentor or others • Thoughts

When should I write?

• At least three or four times per week • Whenever you have a problem to solve, decision to make, etc. • Whenever you need to think something out

How should I write?

• In your own voice • Quickly and freely, getting ideas on paper

Who will read my journal?

• Your instructor will review your journal • Your mentor and others may also review

Suggestions:

• Date each entry you make• Write often: regular writing is what makes a journal useful• Whenever you can, write long enough to develop ideas fully

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Senior Project Journal Entry Log

Directions: Your journal must include what you have accomplished and the time you spend each day completing it (i.e. writing, designing, constructing, planning, taking classes or lessons, contacting sources, working with your mentor, etc). You should reflect on what you have learned. Your entry will help you to remember what you have done and what to do next.

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Choosing a Senior Project

A Senior Project is about doing and learning something that you want to do and learn about! This is your chance to choose a topic that will be interesting, exciting, and worthwhile and will extend your knowledge of your program area. Do not get overwhelmed. Remember that doing this will make you more successful in your future of lifelong learning including your career or post-secondary education. However, making the decision of a topic may not be easy. Choose carefully, consult with your Career Tech instructor, and remember to keep your Senior Project manageable. Here are some guidelines that might help you.

Topics must be related to your career and technical area of interest.

The topic must be broad enough to provide adequate resources and to yield a written report of the desired length and depth of study.

Topics must be narrow enough to be covered within the time frame of the senior project.

Topics must lend themselves to a manageable and affordable product.

You can narrow your subject by considering a particular approach to the subject, or a sub-topic within it. You might ask yourself key questions, such as the following:

Cars Am I writing about one specific model of car or of cars in general? What kind of car do I want to write about? Fords? Electric? Foreign model? Different fuels?

Diagnostic Testing Am I writing about the patient’s blood tests? patient’s urine tests? patient’s air

volume tests? What do I want to know about the patient’s blood test? What is the process of the blood sample from the patient to the results?

General subject: Media Narrowed topic: Commercials Specific topic: How commercials manipulate their audience?

General subject: Law Narrowed topic: Megan’s Law Specific topic: What are the consequences of Megan’s Law within a community?

General subject: Auto Technology Narrowed topic: Auto safety Specific topic: Is the air bag an effective safety device? Why? Why not?

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General subject: Culinary Arts Narrowed topic: Nutrition and the Vegetarian Specific topic: How can a vegetarian diet satisfy established nutritional requirements?

Where can you get ideas? Your interests, the things you have been reading and conversations you have had in class or with others are often good sources of ideas. Textbooks and magazines may give you an idea of hot research topics.

Once you have identified your subject, think about questions your senior project might answer. You should state your topic as a question. Examples: How did New Deal programs influence the arts in America? Is one fuel better than another? What are some effective management styles?

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Senior Project Topic Selection Sheet

Due Date: October 16, 2009

Student Name: _________________________________________________________

Topic: _______________________________________________________________

Ideas for Sources: Type of Source

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Instructor Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________

Student Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _________

All/Any changes must be approved by the Senior Project Board

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Formatting Letter of Intent

1. All Senior Project letters will be block style formatted. 2. Times New Roman with size 12 font will be used exclusively. 3. The default margins of Microsoft Word will be standard.

Letter Format Example:

Date

Senior Project Governing Board Mid-East Career and Technology Centers 400 Richards RoadZanesville, Ohio 43701

Dear Governing Board Members:

Body of letter must be single-spaced. Double-space between paragraphs. Do not indent paragraphs. First Paragraph: Describe the general area of interest. Explain why you chose this area. Explain in detail what you already know or have done in this area, your experience/knowledge. Identify what you hope to learn or accomplish by doing this project.

Second Paragraph: Describe specifically what you will need to research and learn in order to be able to do your project. Who and what do you plan to use for resources: both written materials and people? Include name of one person/authority (other than your mentor) you plan to interview for information and identify their expertise/background.

Third Paragraph: Describe your physical project, giving very specific details such as: what project will be, what you will actually do, who and/or what will be involved, possible mentor to help you, estimated cost of project, estimated time required to complete project, and what you will consider to be a completed project. Explain clearly how this project will stretch you beyond current knowledge and/or current skills. THE SENIOR PROJECT IS NOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO AGAIN SOMETHING WHICH YOU ALREADY KNOW OR HAVE DONE.

Fourth Paragraph: Explain definition of plagiarism and the consequences of plagiarizing or falsifying any information, including the fact that this would result in failing the Senior Project. Conclude with a clear statement affirming that you will not plagiarize or falsify any information in your research, your research paper, or your physical project itself.Double space after last paragraph

Sincerely or Highest Regards, (followed by a comma)

(Quad (4) Space

Your typed name (Sign in the quad space) flush with left margin7663 Old Sweet Owen RoadOwenton, Kentucky 40359

Adapted from the Yreka High School Senior Project Handbook. (1995). Yreka, CA

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APPEALS PROCESS

The Mid-East Career and Technology Centers’ Senior Project Governing Board

has approved all these policies, schedules, assignments, and forms. The Senior Project

Governing Board has been created to oversee participants’ accountability and to

consider the merits of student appeals.

Therefore, should a student request an extension, appeal a decision and/or fail

to comply with the Senior Project Handbook, s/he must make a request, in writing, to

the appropriate Senior Project Governing Board.

THIS FORM MUST BE ATTACHED TO A

FORMAL LETTER OF REQUEST.

Appeal Request Form

Name of Student _____________________________ Date

______________________________

Technology _____________________________________________

Description of Concern:

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

____________________________ __________________________________

Signature of Student Signature of Senior Project Coordinator

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Mentorship

Choosing a Product Mentor

A Mentor is someone you trust who knows the subject of your project and will take a sincere interest in guiding you to successful completion of your product.

What does the mentor do?

• Provides expertise in the product area• Gives suggestions and advice• Supports your efforts• Gives you feedback

Before you choose a mentor:

• Clearly define your product.• Be specific about what you expect from your mentor, including time

commitments.• Be able to show how mentorship will benefit the mentor.

How do you choose a mentor?

• Brainstorm possible experts within your chosen field of study.• Talk to parents, friends and/or teachers about possibilities.• Look for someone who has the expertise and is interested in mentoring you

through completion of your product/process.

Once you have a mentor – what should happen?

• Meet with your mentor.• Determine how often you will meet with your mentor.• Decide what areas of your project they will assist with i.e.: project details, review

speech, etc.• Ask mentor to be part of your review team.

Contacting a Mentor for an Interview

Most professional people are interested in helping students and will want to assist youin completing your Senior Project if they can arrange their schedules. As you plan whatyou will say to the potential mentor, remember to be considerate and get to the point.Professionals are busy people, so be organized to make efficient use of their time.Make the initial contact with your prospective mentor. Introduce yourself on the phoneas a local high school senior working on a school-assigned project. Say that you need a local person to provide guidance and expertise in a chosen area. Ask for a 15-minute appointment to explain the project.

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Tips for Interviewing Your Mentor

An interview with a knowledgeable person (a primary source) can be very valuable.Be prepared, make a good impression, get the needed information, and show appreciationfor the person’s time and willingness to share information.

Before the interview:

• Decide on your purpose. What do you want to find out?• Write your questions and organize them in logical order.• Learn something about the person to be interviewed

(background, position, education, title, duties, etc.)• Take paper and a pen to make notes.

During the interview:

• Make a good impression. Dress for the occasion.• Be on time. Five to 10 minutes early is better.• Smile, state your name clearly, shake hands, and state

your purpose.• Ask pertinent questions and listen for interesting

information.• Ask for clarification if needed. Remember, direct quotes

must be accurate, and something “off the record” should stay that way.

After the interview:

• Express appreciation at the interview and in a follow-up note.• Review your interview notes immediately. Fill in gaps and add information that

will be helpful later in the project.

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Dear Community Leader:

Seniors in Digital Media, Computer Networking and Practical Nurse are completing a Senior Project which serves as a capstone to the career technical education. The student has selected you to serve as their mentor in this process. To help clarify your role as a mentor in the Senior Project, we have prepared the following guidelines. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding your role.

As a mentor, you are helping the student to learn about his/her interest in your area of expertise. You are helping this young person learn the importance of business relationships and responsibilities. You are essential; with a mentor, the student cannot complete the Senior Project.

The student-mentor relationship is strictly voluntary. Should the student not fulfill his/her role, you may terminate the relationship.

Your role will be to assist the student with his/her project by –

o Providing information in the student’s interest areao Providing guidance with your expertise in the areao Helping the student design and construct the projecto Reviewing the 1st draft of the student’s research paper in terms of content

regarding the projecto Giving support and encouragemento Providing an appraisal during the mentorshipo Verifying the number of hours spent working with you

We are asking that each student spend a minimum of 5-10 hours with you; however, if a student would choose to focus on an internship with you, a minimum of 25 hours will need to be documented. These contacts can be phone calls, e-mails, or face to face meetings.

Your role in an internship will be similar to that of the project as you will assist the student by –

o Providing information in the student’s interest areao Providing guidance with your expertise in the areao Giving support and encouragemento Providing an appraisal during the internshipo Verifying the number of hours spent working at the internship site

Please contact me at 740.454.0101 if you have any questions or if I can provide you with additional information.

Sincerely,

Barb Funk, Senior Project Coordinator

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Dear:Thank you for agreeing to mentor one of our seniors. As a mentor, you are doing much to help the student learn about his/her interest in your area of expertise. You are also helping this young person learn the importance of business relationships and responsibilities. You are essential; without a mentor, the student cannot complete the Senior Project.

The student-mentor relationship is strictly voluntary. Should the student not fulfill his/her role, you may terminate the relationship. Should you decide to terminate the relationship, please communicate your reasons in writing with Barb Funk, Senior Project Coordinator. You will receive a follow-up phone call.

We ask that you will verify for the school that the student who has chosen to complete a “physical project” (product) has logged the required MINIMUM 5-10 hours with you. The student is permitted to meet with you during the school day a maximum of 10 hours. When the student is using school time, the student must have parental permission and your signature verifying the time. However, should the student choose to focus on an internship with you, you will verify that the student has logged the required MINIMUM 25 hours with you and special arrangements will need to be made. Each student will need to have a mentor who is experienced in the student’s Senior Project area of interest and will. . .

Your role will be to assist the student with his/her project by –o Providing information in the student’s interest areao Providing guidance with your expertise in the areao Helping the student design and construct the projecto Reviewing the 1st draft of the research paper in terms of content regarding

the projecto Giving support and encouragemento Providing an appraisal during the mentorshipo Verifying the number of hours spent working with you

Please complete the Mentor Commitment Form. Throughout this time, you will be asked to submit an appraisal of the student’s efforts and progress. In March, you will be asked to submit a final “Mentor Verification Form”. This form is your statement of the student’s work and the completion of hours. The student or you will return the form to us no later than March 24. These forms are included in this packet.

The final oral presentations will be scheduled for April. Your presence at this presentation is encouraged and we hope that you will be able to attend.

Thank you again for sharing your time, knowledge, and experience with this student! If you have any questions or concerns, please call 740.454-0101 or email bfunk@mid-east.k12.oh.us .

Sincerely,

Barb Funk, Senior Project Coordinator

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SENIOR PROJECT MENTOR COMMITMENT

Student’s Name ____________________________________________________

The Mid-East Career and Technology Center student named above has selected you as a mentor for his/her Senior Project. It is important that this student have an opportunity to discuss the feasibility of the project/internship with someone who both has knowledge of the student’s skill level and has expertise on the subject of this Senior Project. The purpose of this approval is to determine your opinion on the viability of the project/internship and your willingness to act as his/her mentor.

In no way does the outcome of the final project reflect negatively on your efforts. Satisfactory completion of the project/internship is the responsibility of the student. It is our hope, only, that with your input at the very start of the project/internship that he/she will have the best possible opportunity to explore an area of interest and feel confident of a possible completion of the project if the required time and thought are put into it.

Mentor’s Name

Address

Telephone __________________ Email Address

Please list your background, experience, or knowledge in the student’s selected project area:

_______________________________________ ________________________(Signature of Mentor) Date

_______________________________________ ________________________(Signature of Parent/Guardian) Date

____________________________ _ ______ ________________________(Signature of Student) Date

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Mentor Appraisal Form

Student Date

Research Area

Paper Topic

Product

Mentor

Circle the number that best describes the student’s performance with 4 being the highest grade.

4 3 2 1 0 Realizes the importance of deadlines

4 3 2 1 0 Utilizes my services

4 3 2 1 0 Understands the connection between research and final product/internship

4 3 2 1 0 Demonstrates willingness to “go beyond” current skills and knowledge

4 3 2 1 0 Exhibits courteous behavior

Comments:

Mentor’s Signature Date

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Mentor Final Verification Form for those completing a Physical Project

This form is to be filled out by the mentor. The mentor will be contacted. If there is no name, address and phone for verification, or if the person listed does not know of the student’s project, the physical project and/or internship component will not be considered complete. This would result in the student not receiving a passing grade.

To the Mentor: We need your input in order to help us evaluate the student’s performance on the “physical project” and/or internship portion of the Senior Project. Please answer the following questions based on your work with the senior you mentored. You may type or fill out the form in your own handwriting. A name, address, and home number are required. An e-mail address would help, also.

Student’s Name ____________________________________________________________

Physical Project or Internship Assignment _______________________________________

1. Can you verify that he/she spent a minimum of 5-10 hours on this project and/or 25 hours at the intern site?

Yes _____ No _____

How many hours can you verify? ________

Please explain:

2. Have you seen this project at different stages of completion, not just the final phase? For internships, have you witnessed this student’s performance as an intern from the beginning until now?

Yes _____ No _____

Please explain:

3. What problems did the student have in completing the project or serving the internship and what methods or evidence of problem solving did you observe? Attach an additional sheet if necessary.

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Mentor Final Verification Form Page 2

4. What successes did you see the student achieve? What do you think were the highlights of the student’s experience? Please explain:

5. Based on what you observed in working with the student, please rate the student, using numbers 5 through 1 (5 = highest, 1= lowest) on the items listed below. Write N/A if you did not observe the item or it is not applicable to the project.

_____ Took a learning risk (Went beyond what was already known. Did something challenging.

_____ Applied knowledge of technical competencies to the project.

_____ Used a variety of resources

_____ Maintained balance and perspective

_____ Developed and stayed with a project plan and time line

_____ Worked to do his/her best

_____ Showed initiative and responsibility

_____ Acted in a courteous and mature manner

Comments:

Mentor’s Signature: Date:

Address:

E-mail Address:

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Phone Number:

Parental/Guardian Permission to Work with Mentor During the Regular School Day

_________________________________________________________ has my

permission to complete an onsite visitation with his/her mentor. I understand that the

student will be leaving school on _______________________ at ________________.

I understand that my son/daughter is providing his/herr own transportation.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date

Note: A student will be granted 10 hours to be away from campus without a Mid-East Career and Technology Centers staff member to complete the mentor experience.

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Permission Form for Missing Classes

Name

Date of Request

Date of Absence Time: to

Course Instructor’s Signature Approved Not Approved

CT ProgramMathScienceEnglishSocial StudiesElective

Absence Approved __________ Absence Not Approved __________

Senior Project Coordinator

INFORMATION BELOW MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE MENTOR

Please sign below to verify the student was working with you on this date. Thank you.

Mentor’s Signature

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FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AT LEAST 3 DAYS PRIOR TO ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL.

1. Teachers whose classes you will miss must sign this form.2. Senior Project Coordinator must approve and sign form.3. Attendance office must have a copy of form prior to scheduled absence.4. Original copy of this form must be submitted next day and kept in the Senior

Project student file.

Mentor Time Log

Always have this form with you when you meet with your mentor! Complete each time you meet with your mentor.

Student’s Name

Mentor’s Name

Date Total Hours

Activity Mentor Signature

I affirm that the information on this Mentor Time Log is an accurate record of dates, times and activities in which my mentor and I were engaged.

Student Signature Date

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The following will help you organize your presentation. Prepare your speech and practice it many times to build comfort and confidence. Dress professionally, check your schedule for your presentation, and make notes so that you will feel more at ease in making the presentation.

Speech Organization

Introduction: Introduce your topic and capture the audience’s attention. You may use quotes, interesting facts, fun facts, etc. to capture the attention of your audience.

Body: List and explain four key points that you want to make: • Point 1: How did you become interested in the topic? • Point 2: What did you learn from the research? • Point 3: What did you learn from the RAP? • Point 4: What did you learn about yourself and how has this information affected your plans for the future? • Conclusion: Connect the introduction, implications for learning, and possible plans for the future.

Speech Preparation

Step 1: What are you going to talk about?

How do your paper and exhibit connect? What emotions did you experience as you worked through the paper and Senior

Project? What problems did you encounter? Explain What personal growth did you gain from the paper and Senior Project? What

self-knowledge did you gain? What knowledge of your topic did you gain? How did the Senior Project affect your plans for the future? Explain What Senior Project advice would you pass on to next year’s seniors?

Step 2: How am I going to say this?

Organization-jot down your ideas on separate index cards and arrange them into order that is logical and pleasing.

Slip blank cards into spaces where a visual is needed or would be helpful. Add blank cards into spaces for the introduction and conclusion. If you have a Senior Project that can be displayed, jot down your ideas for that

display on a separate card. Plan your introduction. The introduction should:

o Grab the audience’s attentiono Make the topic thesis clearo Take no more than 1 minute

Plan your conclusion. A good conclusion should:

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o Restate topic/thesiso Leave the audience thinkingo Take no more that 30 seconds

Plan the display of your Senior Project. Will it be an on-going, integral part of your speech, such as a slide show? Part of your introduction? Happen after your conclusion?

Plan your visual aids. Make sure your teacher knows what equipment you will need. Look at each idea card and fill in details, interesting stories, and factual

information. Place all cards back in order and begin practicing your speech.

Step 3: Speech Techniques to Remember

Eye contact – This is extremely important. Practice often enough so that you rarely need to look at your cards. Remember this is a friendly audience. Look at them. True communications happens with the eyes. A speech without eye contact is only half a speech.

Posture – Stand proud. You have a right to be! You have accomplished a great deal!Avoid:

• Gripping the podium if you are standing behind one.• Locking your knees.• Twitching, wiggling, shaking, etc.

Voice – Your voice needs to:• Be loud enough to be heard.• Vary appropriately in pitch and tone

Gesture – Use your hands to help make your point. Gestures should be natural and spontaneous.

Props (Audio-Visuals) – Plan and practice using any prop or audio-visual you will need during the presentation.

Step 4: Prepare for Questions

There is no way to know for sure what members of the audience may ask you, but you can make some educated guesses. Answer the following brainstorm questions to help you:

If you were a member of the audience listening to your speech, what would you want to know?

What would you like people to ask? What unusual qualities does your RAP have that might spark interest? What part of your paper might make people curious? What controversial topics, if any, do you touch on? What possessed you to choose this topic? Who helped you? How much time did you spend on it?

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Your Senior Project Presentation should be the peak of your high school career. Your audience will be supportive of you. You will be well prepared. This is your chance to show off, to shine! ENJOY!

Presentation Visual Aid Ideas

• PowerPoint Presentations • Posters • Photographs • Displays • Video Tapes • Demonstration • Role Playing

Tips for Successful Presentations

Preparation

• Practice your presentation and know your subject well. • Prepare handouts for your audience that highlight the main points of your

presentation.

Format

• Think “multimedia!” • Use a variety of formats, including video images, slides, overhead

transparencies, and presentation boards. Plan carefully to make sure you have all of the equipment you need.

• Use materials such as poster boards, markers, colored paper, and cardboard to prepare “professional style” presentation boards.

Standards

• Set high standards for your presentation. Check all written work for grammar and spelling, create a clear graphic layout, and thoroughly label all products.

• Ask your mentor to review the materials before your presentation.

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