Senior Project Manual 2013-2014

7/27/2019 Senior Project Manual 2013-2014

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Senior Project:Preparing for Success

in the 21st

Century

2013-2014


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TRUMBULL CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER

528 Educational Highway Warren, OH 44483

Phone: 330.847.0503

Fax: 330.847.0339

www.tctchome.com

TCTC Administration

Mr. Jason Gray

TCTC Superintendent

Mrs. Mary Flint

TCTC Director

Mr. Larry Crawford

Academic Supervisor

Mr. Bob BonishTrade & Industry Supervisor

Mrs. Paula Baco

Program & Guidance Supervisor

Ms. Jodi Riedel

Special Needs Supervisor

Mr. Jerry Gorgie

Facilities Supervisor

Mrs. Debbie Williams

Technology Supervisor

Mr. Dave PhillipsDean of Students

Mrs. Rhonda Orr

Attendance Supervisor


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Table of Contents

Senior Project Timeline ............................................................................................. 4

A Letter from the TCTC Director.5

Senior Project Acknowledgment Form ...................................................................... 6

Why Senior Project? ................................................................................................. 7

Plagiarism and Misrepresentation ............................................................................ 8

Choosing a Paper Topic ............................................................................................. 9

Research Paper Requirements ................................................................................ 10

Choosing a Product ................................................................................................. 11

Some Product Examples ......................................................................................... 12

Senior Project Proposal Letter..13

Proposal Letter Format .14

Proposal Letter Example ..15

Senior Project Approval Form ................................................................................. 16

Sign of Commitment ............................................................................................... 17

Presentation Requirements .18

Suggested Outline for Student Presentations.19

Portfolio Requirements ..............................................................................20

Senior Project Awards .21


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Senior Project Timeline

*Please note: The due dates listed below are the final deadline allowed for

Senior Project Requirements. Teachers can choose to set their own

deadlines and due dates provided they do not go beyond the dates below.

AREA

REQUIREMENT

DUE NO LATER

THAN DATE

English and

Career/Tech

Form A: Senior Project Acknowledgement Form 10/11/13

English Assignment #1: Senior Project Proposal Letter 10/25/13

English and

Career/Tech

Form B: Senior Project Approval Form 11/01/13

Career/Tech Assignment #2: Sign of Commitment 11/15/13

English Paper Completion Ongoing per

teacher deadlines

English Phase I: Paper due 01/17/14

Career/Tech Product Completion Ongoing per

teacher deadlines

Career/Tech Phase II: Product due 02/21/14

English Portfolio Completion Ongoing perteacher deadlines

Career/Tech Phase III: Presentation Day 03/28/14

English Assignment #3: Senior Project Reflective Essay 04/04/14

English Phase IV: Portfolio due 04/11/14


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A Letter from the TCTC Director

Dear TCTC Senior Student and Parents/Guardians,

The Senior Project at TCTC was developed to provide an opportunity for students to

demonstrate what they know and to showcase their achievement. Senior Project has been highly

acclaimed and proven successful in many high schools across the country. The Senior Project is a

fitting conclusion to a high school education. Through the project, students are able to demonstrate

accumulated skills in time-management, research, problem-solving, human interaction, organization,

and public-speaking. This is appropriate as the culmination of a K-12 education because these are the

very skills and abilities which students will be expected to exhibit in college and/or a career. For 2014

graduates, there are four distinct phases of the Senior Project. Students must complete and pass all

four phases of Senior Project as a requirement for state certification in their career/tech area.

The first phase is a research paper. Students must research and document information on asubject of their choice within their career field-- a subject in which students have an interest, but are

not already an expert. The research must be a worthwhile learning stretch new knowledge gained

outside the classroom. English teachers will be guiding students through the research paper,

including help with topic selection, location of expert sources, proper documentation and the writing

process.

The second phase requires students to apply the information they have gained from their

research to develop aproduct. The product may be an actual physical product, a performance, service

or learning activity. There must be a clear relationship between the research and the product.

Students should select a product within their financial budget, keeping in mind that they are not

expected to spend money in order to complete the Senior Project. The program teacher will guidestudents through this phase with product selection, resources, expert advice, and time management.

The third phase is apresentation. Students will present their Senior Project to an assessor.

They will be expected to explain their research, their product, and their learning stretch using clear

and effective communication skills. Students will also be expected to answer impromptu questions

from the assessor in an intelligent and meaningful way.

The fourth and final phase requires students to compile all of their work throughout the year to

create aportfolio. Throughout the Senior Project process, various forms and assignments are required

in order to keep students, teachers, and the Senior Project Committee informed of progress. Students

will be gathering these required forms and assignments in an organized three ring binder in English

class. Upon graduation, the portfolio is a valuable resource for students as it showcases their work for

Senior Project.

Each of the four phases of Senior Project will be graded by the appropriate staff member to be

included in students class averages. Students will earn a specific Senior Project Certificate depending

on their total completion score. If students adhere to the guidelines, meet the deadlines, and put forth

their best effort, they will know that they have been successful in a life-long learning experience.

Good luck on this exciting endeavor!

Mrs. Mary Flint, TCTC Director


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Senior Project Acknowledgment Form

Student (Please Print): _________________________________________

Program: ____________________________________________________

Please read and sign below:

I understand that successful completion of Senior Project is a requirement for TCTC

graduates.

I understand that students must complete and pass all four components Senior

Project: paper, product, presentation, and portfolio.

I have read the TCTC Senior Project manual in its entirety and understand the

requirements of Senior Project.

I understand what constitutes plagiarism and misrepresentation and acknowledge this

offense will result in a zero on Senior Project as well as disciplinary action as stated in

the TCTC Student Handbook.

_______________________________________ _______________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_______________________________________ _______________________

Student Signature Date

Please Note:

Students will not receive credit for any component of Senior Project until this form is

completed and returned to the English teacher.


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Why Senior Project?

21st

Century Skills

Todays world is vastly different from the one decades ago. We have arrived in the 21st

century, one that is driven by technology. Students are connected at all times with

Smartphones, Facebook, and Twitter, just to name a few. It is imperative that American

schools evolve to prepare our students for the ever changing world. Students must leave

high school college and career ready. Senior Project helps attain that goal!

One way to better prepare students for the 21st

century is to help them utilize and

strengthen those skills needed for success today:

Critical ThinkingCommunication

Collaboration

Creativity

The below Framework of 21st

Century Skills was developed by the organization

Partnership for 21st

Century Skills. For more information about the framework and the

work of this organization, visit www.p21.org.


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Plagiarism and Misrepresentation

The most important part of any educational experience is academic honesty. For the most

part, you control what you learn, and your ethics can shape your academic and career

decisions. All of your teachers understand that cheating is possible, but you are responsibl

for being honest during the process. You are responsible for ensuring that you do not

plagiarize and that you do not misrepresent yourself in any way.

What constitutes plagiarism?

Directly copying (more than three words) from another source without

using quotation marks and/or without giving credit to the author

Incorrectly citing or failing to cite your sources at appropriate times

Not paraphrasing the information completely or accurately

Using work that you have completed for another teacher without

approval

Passing on your work to another student in another class

What constitutes misrepresentation?

Claiming you have no previous experience or knowledge in a given

area when you actually do

Falsifying documents and assignments

Allowing other people to complete portions of your assignments

Committing any breach of the project assignments

What are some consequences of plagiarism and misrepresentation?

No credit on the assignment, paper, project, etc. Disciplinary action including in-school suspension

Possible expulsion (at the post-secondary level)

Permanent mark on your academic record


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Choosing a Topic

Choosing your Senior Project topic is a crucial decision and not one to be made lightly or quickly.

Your topic will be with you until completion so follow these guidelines to help make the best decision

possible.

The research topic should provide a learning stretch, new knowledge gained outside of theregular classroom curriculum. It should also be one in which you are highly interested but not

yet an expert. If you have been a black belt in karate and have studied martial arts for many

years, you obviously know a great deal about the subject of karate. This topic is not a learning

stretch for you as you are already an expert.

The research topic must be related to your career/technical area. You will choose a topic related

to your program about which you are interested. You will research the topic and write arguments

with cited evidence as support or you will report on your findings. You will be thinking critically

about your chosen topic, analyzing it, and writing about it in a formal paper.

The research topic should be broad enough to allow you access to enough information, but

narrow enough to make the research scope reasonable. For example, a student choosing thetopic First Aid would find it impossible to include everything about first aid. Entire books are

written on this topic. On the other hand, a student choosing to research the Application of

Band-Aids to Skin Abrasions would probably have difficulty finding enough information. A more

reasonable topic might be The Most Effective Remedies for the Treatment of Minor Skin Burns.

The research topic should be one that is intellectually and creatively challenging. Your topic

should not be so difficult that no amount of studying will allow you to understand it. Also, it

should not be a breeze. You should choose a topic that is adequately challenging for you; one

that requires use of your critical thinking and problem solving abilities. This will keep you and

others interested and benefit your learning in the long run.

The research topic should lend itself to a product. Choose your topic with the ultimate product inmind. Some students even begin by determining something they would love to do or make

(product) and tailor their research topic around their product. Products can be a physical creation

but do not have to be. Performances, services, and additional learning can also be acceptable

products.

The research topic should not involve expenses that you are not prepared to handle. There is

no required expenditure for the research or the product. If you do not drive, do NOT plan

research that requires travel to distant locales; if you do not have much money, do not plan

research that will involve purchasing costly equipment or committing you to a series of expensive

lessons.

The research topic must not involve anything illegal, immoral, dangerous to you or to someoneelse, or prohibited by TCTC. For example, avoid experiments that are potentially explosive; stay

away from activities such as handling poisonous snakes; steer clear of investigations of

pornography web sites or other unsavory areas; do not connect your product to any type of

weapon. Use good judgment and common sense here! And, if youre not sure, ask!

The TCTC Administration and Senior Project Coordinator will review

any topics/ products deemed questionable for final approval.


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Research Paper Requirements

The English department at the TCTC follows the guidelines set forth by the Modern

Language Association for all aspects of the research paper. All students will be judged

against this standard. Students may be required to turn in all the work used to writethe paper, including sources, note cards, previously graded or revised drafts, etc. If

your teacher needs to check your work, he or she should be able to find all of the

information that you cited within your paper. Failure to locate or properly document

information that is cited in the paper constitutes plagiarism and may result in a

failing grade and disciplinary action.

Please Note:

Students who are not enrolled in an English class at the Trumbull Career and Technical

Center are exempt from the research paper.

Requirements Adaptive English 4 Honors

English 4

Dual Credit

English (YSU)

Page Length 2-4 pages 3-5 pages 5-7 pages 5-7 pages

Research Sources 3 sources 4-6 sources 6-8 sources 6-8 sources

Works Cited

Your paper must include a Works Cited page that follows

all MLA guidelines for formatting. A paper without a

Works Cited page will not be accepted and automatically

fail. You will use Noodle Tools to complete the Works

Cited.

In-Text Citations

Your paper must include the correct in-text citations. A

paper without the correct in-text citations is plagiarized

and will automatically fail. You will use Noodle Tools to

complete the in-text citations.

Format

Typed, double spaced in Times New Roman, 12-point font

Printed on white, 8 x 11 paper in black ink

1 margins on all four sides

Opening heading on first page and headers on each page


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Choosing a Product

The product represents a hands-on experience dealing with some aspect of the

research topic. It directs the student away from books and out into the real world. The

student will apply information gained in research to create a product that

demonstrates learning and mastery of the topic.

The term Product can refer to a variety of hands-on experiences

that fall into any of the categories below:

Physical Product: A student researches a topic and then builds or makes a productrelated to the topic. Some examples include making a stained glass window, designing

and creating a computer program, rebuilding an engine, constructing a cabinet, writing

book of poetry or newspaper, and creating and implementing an efficient recycling

plan.

Performance/Skills Product: A student researches a topic and then designs a

performance or showcases a skill of some sort related to the topic. Some examples

include a dance, instrumental or singing recital, drama show, musical video, magic

show, fashion show, and formal speech/debate.

Service/Outreach Product: A student researches a topic and then sets up a service or

outreach experience related to the topic. Some examples include teaching a middle

school health class about teen alcoholism, coaching a little league team, setting up a

neighborhood action team, organizing a charitable event, and volunteering time at a

local food shelter.

Learning Product: A student researches a topic and then participates in an extended

job shadow experience, takes lessons, or works with a mentor to develop a new skill.Some examples include shadowing a police officer then writing or speaking about the

experience to a specific audience, viewing and documenting medical procedures, and

visiting a local veterinarians office several times to experience the career first hand.

Please Note:

Career/Tech instructors may require students who are exempt from the research paper

to conduct research and include a writing component as a requirement of the Product.


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Some Product Examples

PHYSICAL PRODUCT

A student

researches a topic

and then builds or

makes a product

related to the topic

PERFORMANCE/

SKILLS PRODUCT

A student

researches a topic

and then designs a

performance of

some sort related to

the topic

SERVICE/OUTREACH

PRODUCT

A student

researches a topic

and then sets up a

volunteer

experience related

to the topic

LEARNING

PRODUCT

A student

researches a topic

and then takes

lessons or works

with a mentor to

develop a new skill

Write and illustratea childrens book

Deliver a speech toa specific audience

Develop and teach alesson to a specific

audience

Enroll in a class anddocument your

experience

Create a computer

program

Deliver a dance,

instrument or vocal

recital

Organize a drive to

benefit a need or

organization

Visit a local

business or

organization to

obtain information

Build a model

Write and produce a

public service

announcement

Organize and

provide a free

consumer service

Develop a

correspondence

with an expert in

your field

Write a cookbook

Develop and

perform a complete

advertising

campaign

Coach a team

Obtain a mentor

and work with

him/her to learn a

new skill

Create a portfolio of

personal work

Develop and deliver

a recruiting

campaign for a localunion

Volunteer at a

hospital

Collaborate with

groups on interests

related to yourproject

Please Note:

Students must provide evidence of the completed product for grading purposes.

If a physical product cannot be provided, evidence can be in the form of pictures,

videos, written documentation, etc.


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Senior Project Proposal Letter

Before beginning your Senior Project, it is important to have a clear idea of your

research topic and a solid plan for the completion of your product. Your letter

will be read and your ideas approved by your English teacher, Program instructor,

and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) before you are permitted to move forward with the

project.

Please write a professional business letter that includes the following:

the topic of your research and the reason you chose it

a detailed description of your product

an explanation of how your Senior Project is a learning stretchfor you

Remember! A Learning Stretch is defined as new knowledge gained outside

the classroom.

Guidelines when composing your letter include the following:

The letter needs a one-inch margin on all sides

The body of the letter is single-spaced and double spaced between

paragraphs.The content of the letter should be written in the first person.

Please Note:

Should research topics or products change, students are required to write a revised

Proposal Letter and obtain the required signatures for approval. STUDENTS MUST

COMPLETE THE SENIOR PROJECT AS DESCRIBED IN THEIR PROPOSAL LETTER FOR

CREDIT TO BE EARNED.

Students should print THREE copies of the letter one for your English teacher (to beread, approved, and graded), one for your Program instructor (to be read and

approved, and one for you (to be placed in your Portfolio).


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Proposal Letter Format

[All four margins should be set at 1.

Type the letter in a 12 point, easily readable font style.]

Your street address

City, State zip code (all words spelled out)

Date (enter 4 times)

Your English teacher and Program instructor

Trumbull Career and Technical Center528 Educational Highway

Warren, Ohio 44483 (all words spelled out) (enter twice)

Dear __________________ and ____________________:(English Teacher) (Program Instructor)

Paragraph 1: Identify your research topic. Explain why you have chosen this topic.

Include all of the factors that influenced your decision. (enter twice)

Paragraph 2: Identify the type of product you will complete (Physical Product,

Performance/Skills Product, Service/Outreach Product, or Learning Product).

Describe the product in detail. Be specific and include all aspects of the product

description from start to finish. (enter twice)

Paragraph 3: Explain how your Senior Project will be a learning stretch for you.

(enter twice)

Sincerely, (enter four times)

(Your signature, in black ink goes here!)

Your typed name (exactly as you sign it above)

Your career/technical field


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Proposal Letter Example

4812 Lone Mountain Rd.

Asheboro, North Carolina 27205August 14, 2004

Mrs. Smith and Mr. Black

Randleman High School

4396 Tigers Den Road

Randleman, North Carolina 27317

Dear Mrs. Smith and Mr. Black:

Last year I had to go through two weeks of testing for leukemia. Fortunately, the test results

were normal, but during this time I became extremely interested in oncology research and

treatment. For my Senior Project, I have chosen to research oncology treatment and its effects

on leukemia patients. Since the time I had to undergo testing, I have wanted to work with

cancer patients as I can relate to their experiences because I have been there myself.

I have chosen to complete a Service/Outreach product as part of my Senior Project. I will

become a volunteer at Camp Carefree, a camp for terminally ill children in Guilford County. I

plan to work with the children who attend the camp by organizing games and activities for

them to play. During my training and service at Camp Carefree, I will produce a video to be

used for recruiting and for the training of future volunteers.

My senior project will be a large learning stretch for me. My program, Medical Assisting,

teaches me about different types of illness; however, we do not specifically study leukemias

treatment options or the effects the disease has on the mental health of children. My senior

project will also allow me the opportunity to use my knowledge of leukemia while working with

terminally ill children. This will be a rewarding experience as a direct result of my senior

project.

Sincerely,

Susan M. Jones

HSA Medical Assisting


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Senior Project Approval Form

Student (Please Print): _____________________________________________

Program: ________________________________________________________

I have read the students Senior Project Proposal Letter approveof the students

research topic and product description. I acknowledge that the students Senior

Project, as described in the letter, will be a learning stretch for him/her.

I understand that the student must complete his/her Senior Project as describedin the Proposal Letter in order to receive credit for Senior Project. I am aware

that students wishing to change any part of their proposed Senior Project are

required to write a revised Proposal Letter and obtain the required approval

signatures.

___________________________________ _______________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

___________________________________ _______________________

English Teacher Signature Date

___________________________________ _______________________

Program Instructor Signature Date

Please Note:

Students will not receive credit for any component of Senior Project until this form is

completed and returned.


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Sign of Commitment

Now that your proposal letter has been approved by your Program instructor and

English teacher, you will create a sign that announces your plan for Senior Project.

The sign will include your name, your English teachers name, your program and

program teachers name, your research topic and/or thesis, and your product.

The signs will be posted around the building outside of your lab/classroom. You

will also need a second copy of the sign for use as the cover of your Senior

Project Portfolio.

Your sign must be created on 8 x 11 in. paper. Make the sign neat, eye-catching, and readable from six (6) feet away. Color and graphics are an excellent

way to make your poster attractive. You should avoid wordy titles and start the

product description with a verb (i.e. to learn, to create, to build, to volunteer,

etc.)

Sample Sign of Commitment

Research Topic: What is the importance of eating well-balanced meals?

Product: Create a cookbook of healthy recipes and menus

Restaurant Services: Mr. Smith

English Teacher: Mrs. Lee


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Presentation Requirements

Success in todays careers and post-secondary institutions requires a good deal ofeffective communication. The best method to improve those skills is through practice,

practice, practice! Therefore, as part of the Senior Project experience, students are

required give a formal presentation about their project. You will display and present

your work on Senior Project Presentation Day to a small panel of judges in your program

lab. This judging panel can be comprised of TCTC staff members and supervisors,

Advisory Committee Members, and members of the community.

Students will be assessed on the following categories:

Knowledge of Topicthe students understanding ofthe topic and argument; the

students ability to thoroughly answer impromptu questions; the amount of

knowledge the student gained as a result of Senior Project; the students ability to

explain their learning stretch

Documentation of Processthe students ability to show a successful completion

process of Senior Project through the Senior Project Portfolio (First Submission)

Communication Skillsthe effectiveness ofthe students communication includingthe use of proper grammar, speech clarity, pace, and tone, eye contact, and body

language

Professionalismthe students attitude and maturity regarding his/her work and

Senior Project as a whole; the appropriateness of the students appearance for the

scheduled presentation

Display the effectiveness of the students display including neatness, creativity,

effort, and visual appeal


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Suggested Outline for Student Presentations

1. Introduce yourself and smile!

2. Begin with an attention-grabbing hook (ask a question, announce a surprisingfact, give an insightful quote, tell a brief story).

3. State your topic and discuss how your hook relates to your topic or how your

hook is significant to your topic.

4. Discuss how and why you chose your topic.

5. Explain your research.

A. What was your thesis statement?

B. What were your main points of argument?

C. What were your rebuttal arguments and how did you counter

them (if applicable)? What did you learn from your research?6. Discuss your product.

A. What product did you complete or create?

B. How did you complete or create this product?

C. Show the final product itself or evidence of the product.

D. Demonstrate your product (if applicable).

7. Reflect on your Senior Project for the judges and audience.

A. What went well for you during the process?

B. What went wrong or what challenges did you face? How did you

overcome these?C. What would you change and not change about your project if

given the chance?

D. Important!! Discuss how your project was a learning stretch for

you.

8. Conclude the presentation by providing a thought-provoking idea or a

suggestion for future action or consequences. Do not just end your speech

abruptly or say things such as Thats all, Thats it, or Im done, for

example.

Tips/Reminders:

Know your stuff! Be prepared!

Look at the judges when speaking. Using note cards is ok to help you remember

what to say next, but do not read your presentation.

Have your Portfolio completed and available for judges to view.

Attempt to have an interesting display of your work.

Practice, practice, practice!!


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The Senior Project Portfolio is a way in which students can organize and showcase all

of their hard work throughout the Senior Project process. You will be provided with a

1 white binder with a plastic-insert front cover for the Portfolio. No other binder size

or color may be used.

You will create the Portfolio by organizing all of your documents from Senior Project in

the order listed below.

Grading Component

Assignment #2: Sign of Commitment (to be used as the Portfolio Cover)

Form A: Senior Project Acknowledgment Form

Assignment #1: Senior Project Proposal Letter

Form B: Senior Project Approval Form

Research Sources

Rough Draft with Works Cited

Phase I: Final Research Paper with Works Cited

Research Paper Grading Rubric

Phase II: Product Evidence and Artifacts

Product Grading Rubric

Phase III: Presentation Evidence and Artifacts**

Presentation Grading Rubric

Assignment #3: Senior Project Reflective EssayOverall Portfolio Presentation:

Portfolio is neat, clean, and professional.

Contents are organized correctly.

Final Portfolio shows students pride in work.

**Including Presentation Evidence and Artifacts is highly suggested but not required.

Portfolio Requirements


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Senior Project Awards

Senior Project grades are based on the individual percentages earned on the

paper, product, and, portfolio, and presentation. The following scale is used in

this calculation: Paper weighted 2 times; Product weighted 2 times;Presentations weighted 1 time.

The final percentage earned determines the students Senior Project Award based

on the chart below.

Final Percentages and Awards

100%.. ...Award of Excellence

92%-99%....Award of Distinction

83%-91%...Award of Accomplishment74%-82%....................................................................Award of Success

66%-73% .....................Award for Participation

65%......................................................................No Award Earned

For example, a students final average who earned a 75% on the paper, an 88% on

the product, and a 100% on the portfolio, and an 82% on the presentation would

be calculated as follows:

75 x 2 = 150 15088 x 2 = 176 176

100 x 1 = 100 100

82 x 1 = 82 +82

508 6 = 84.6%

*Student earns an Award of Accomplishment

Please Note:

Half-day students and other students exempt from any Senior Project

requirement are only eligible for an Award for Participation. Students must complete and successfully pass all four components of

Senior Project in order to receive the State of Ohio Certificate of

Completion for the career/technical field.

Documents

Senior Project Manual 2013-2014