NORTH CAROLINA GRADUATION PROJECT
NORTH IREDELL HIGH SCHOOL
Key Components: The Four P’s
Portfolio Paper
ProductPresentation
The Portfolio
Collection of work from classes
Forms, documents, letters
Research process
Reflections and self-evaluations
rubric adapted by NIHS
Benefit: Organization skills
The Paper
Topic of the student’s choosing A researched argument; an analytical point-of-view paperTraditional research procedures including
MLA documentationRubric adapted by NIHSBenefit: Critical and analytical thinking
skills
The Product
o A “learning stretch”o Tangible/Intangibleo Extension of the researcho Monitored by community mentoro Rubric adapted by NIHSo Benefit: Time management and self-direction skills
The Presentation
Oral presentation of research and product
Panel of judges (school and community)
Specific time limit followed by Q & A
Visual aids to support information
Rubric adapted by NIHS
Benefit: Student growth and development
Impact on Our Students
Public Speaking
Written language
Presentation skills
Technology integration
Community involvement
Personal growth
Personal responsibility
Sample Topics
• Arts: Research a performer, composer, artist, choreographer, playwright
• Language Arts: Research Education, Investigate the broadcasting industry
• Health: Research community health agencies
• Math: Analyze the effect of tourism on the local economy, Research plant environments
More Topics
• Science: Flight, Stem cell research, Conservation, Water Quality
• Social Studies: Religions, Crime prevention, museums
SAMPLE PRODUCTS
• Choreograph a dance
• Teach an adult or child to read
• Volunteer with a community agency
• Build a mini greenhouse
• Put together an event to raise money for local charities
• Test the acidity in water after several rains and compare
More Sample Products
• Build an entertainment cabinet
• Make an article of clothing
• Construct an information box
• Landscape a yard
• Construct a model of a roller coaster
• Volunteer as an interpreter
Build the Skills Into All Content Areas
The Standard Course of Study for all disciplines promote the same skills necessary for the Graduation Project
Essential Questions
Research
Writing
Speaking
Listening
Evaluating
AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURESome Attributes of a
Future Ready Graduate
Critical thinker
Financially literate citizen
Strong Team Contributor
Effective Problem Solver
Knowledgeable global citizen
Health-focused life-long learner
Relationship builder
Self-directed responsible worker
Effective communicator
Creative/innovative thinker
Suggested Timeline
Ninth Grade: Narrow topics to 3
Begin Portfolio & ResumeTenth Grade: Continue work on Resume &
Portfolio
Narrow to final topic
Sign Contract
Complete Proposal Form
Suggested Timeline
Eleventh Grade: Continue to work on Resume and Portfolio
Select Mentor
Write paper-English 11
Complete Interview
Begin Product
Suggested Timeline
Twelfth Grade: Complete at least 15 hours on the product
Complete Portfolio
Complete Resume
Present Product to a panel of judges
Write Thank You notes