1
Wilkes-Barre Area School District Graduation Project
This Graduation Project Information Guide, written under the direction and approval of the Graduation Project
Steering Committee, presents the project’s purpose, components, roles of individuals involved, timeline, and
evaluation.
Wilkes-Barre Area’s Strategic Plan correlates with present Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 4
specifications:
4.24 (a)
Each school [entity] districts (including charter schools) shall specify requirements for
graduation in the strategic plan under 4.13 (relating to strategic planning). Requirements shall include
course completion and grades, completion of a culminating project, and results of [State and] local
assessments aligned with the [of] academic standards. The purpose of the culminating project is to
assure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate
significant knowledge and understanding.”
This project prepares students for our rapidly changing society in which employers demand critical thinking and
problem solving skills of the work force.
The student will work with an assigned Advisor, who will guide and document the student’s research and progress.
A Project Review Panel will evaluate the presentation of the Project. The Project will demonstrate student
ability in integrating curriculum skills-written, oral, kinesthetic, and technological. The Project will provide
direction for student exploration of life skills, foster creativity, demonstrate individual student talent, and apply
learning to life.
Objectives
The goal of the Graduation Project is to prepare students to use initiative by undertaking a project in an area of
interest or specialization, or a career path. Students will adhere to the following procedures in completing the
project:
 select a topic of interest
 determine what is already known and write about this knowledge
 develop appropriate research questions to direct the study
 learn appropriate research techniques in order to locate, gather, organize, process, and communicate the
information found
 use technology (i.e. power point, video, etc.) in the Project
 select, analyze, and synthesize information to be placed in the final product
 document this work into a Written Component, then give an Oral Presentation and
Demonstration/Exhibition Component, using appropriate skills and technology in this process
 identify tentative steps to complete the project
 explain the demonstration/exhibition which includes materials to be used during the presentation
Student Contract
The student and parent or guardian must sign the Project contract (p. 6), and the student will submit that
signed contract to the Project Advisor by the deadline determined by the Advisor.
2
Option 1 – Skills Demonstration Project
10th Grade Requirements
During the 3rd quarter of the 10th grade year, all students must submit the Proposal requirement of the Graduation
Project. The Proposal must be a minimum of two complete typed pages with the following components:





Description of topic
Reason topic was chosen
How topic will be researched (e.g. resources)
Tentative order of steps to complete project
Explanation of the demonstration/exhibition, including materials to be used during the presentation
10th grade English teachers will evaluate the Proposal.
10th Grade Consequences
Students must submit a Graduation Project Proposal during the 3rd quarter of the 10th grade school year, or a
failing grade will be given for the Proposal. The students must understand that if they do not complete an
approved Graduation Project Proposal by the end of the 10th grade school year, they will be scheduled during
their junior year with a more intensive time frame for the Graduation Project. In addition, those students will
be denied participation in all activities from the first day of school in the junior year. This will include all sports
teams, clubs, band, as well as attendance on field trips, the semi-formal, and the prom. Those students will not
be reinstated until they have completed an approved Graduation Project Proposal.
11th Grade Requirements
Written Component including the following:



An approved Graduation Project Proposal
Graduation Project Student Contract
A minimum of 13 varied and dated, sequential Portfolio entries, including:
o Journals -- logs with reflections that detail the student’s progress with the process (see
Appendix B, page 23 for journal topics)
o Articles -- research to provide background information regarding topic
o Interviews -- documented conversations about topic-related issues
o Topic-related visuals - photographs
 illustrations from magazines, internet, etc.
 videos
 other student ideas
o
Other topic-appropriate items
3
Demonstration/Exhibition Component includes the following:

The project will be presented to the Project Review Panel.

The presentation will last a minimum of 10 minutes, and a suggested maximum of fifteen minutes,
followed by a brief question-answer session.

The demonstration will illustrate the student’s cross-curricular skills.

The student will demonstrate effective speaking skills.

The student will use at least two types of visual materials to support the Presentation (see
Appendix A).

The student will submit the portfolio and deliver the Oral Presentation and Exhibition with the
knowledge of the Assessment Standards and adherence to them.
Student Presentation Guidelines – Skills Demonstration:

Introduce yourself and the skill that will be demonstrated.

Explain why the specific skill was chosen.

Provide a brief background of the skill.

Demonstrate the skill and explain the steps.

Reflect on the project.

Open project presentation to questions from the panel.

Present visual materials when appropriate.
If a student’s Project is evaluated “Failing,” the student will participate in a remediation process in order to
complete the Project and meet the graduation requirements.
The school is not responsible for funding any expense incurred by the student.
Students wishing to use district facilities will be required to follow all procedures for an outside group to use
facilities.
4
Option 2 – Community Service Project
10th Grade Requirements
During the 3rd quarter of the 10th grade year, all students must submit the Proposal requirement of the Graduation
Project. The Proposal requirement must be a minimum of two complete typed pages with the following
components:





Description of topic
Reason topic was chosen
How topic will be researched (e.g. resources)
Tentative order of steps to complete project
Explanation of the demonstration/exhibition, including materials to be used during the presentation
10th grade English teachers will evaluate the Proposal.
10th Grade Consequences
Students must submit a Graduation Project Proposal during the 3rd quarter of the 10th grade school year, or a
failing grade will be given for the Proposal. The students must understand that if they do not complete an
approved Graduation Project Proposal by the end of the 10th grade school year, they will be scheduled during
their junior year with a more intensive time frame for the Graduation Project. In addition, those students will
be denied participation in all activities from the first day of school in the junior year. This will include all sports
teams, clubs, band, as well as attendance on field trips, the semi-formal, and the prom. Those students will not
be reinstated until they have completed an approved Graduation Project Proposal.
11th Grade Requirements
Written Component including the following:
 An approved Graduation Project Proposal
 Graduation Project Student Contract
 A minimum of 30 volunteer, service hours which have been documented on letterhead stationary
and signed by supervising official
 A minimum of 13 varied and dated, sequential Portfolio entries including:
o Journals -- logs with reflections that detail the student’s progress with the process (see
Appendix B, page 23 for journal topics)
o Articles -- research to provide background information regarding topic
o Interviews - documented conversations about topic-related issues
o Topic-related visuals - photographs
 illustrations from magazines, internet, etc.
 videos
 other student ideas
o Other topic appropriate items
5
Presentation/Demonstration Component including the following:

The project will be presented to the Project Review Panel.

The presentation will last a minimum of seven minutes, and a suggested maximum of twelve
minutes, followed by a brief question-answer session.

During the oral presentation, the student will demonstrate the benefits of the project for the student
and community and add a personal reflection on the educational value of the service.

The student will demonstrate effective speaking skills.

The student will use at least two types of visual materials to support the Presentation (see
Appendix A).

The student will submit the portfolio and deliver the Oral Presentation and Exhibition with the
knowledge of the Assessment Standards and adherence to them.
Student Presentation Guidelines – Community Service:

Introduce yourself and the community service project chosen.

Explain why you chose the project.

Provide a brief background of organization or service.

Explain the steps taken to complete the service.

Reflect on the project.

Open project presentation to questions from the panel.

Present visual materials when appropriate.
If a student’s Project is evaluated “Failing,” the student will participate in a remediation process in order to
complete the Project and meet the graduation requirements.
The school is not responsible for funding any expense incurred by the student.
Students wishing to use district facilities will be required to follow all procedures for an outside group to use
facilities.
6
Graduation Project Student Contract
I understand that the Graduation Project is a requirement of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
mandating that all students complete the project in order to graduate.
I understand that it is my responsibility to meet with my Graduation Project Advisor, according to the
directed timeline. It is my obligation to submit appropriate Project Components for these meetings, in
order to fulfill the Process Component of the Project, prepare for the Oral Presentation and Demonstration
and complete the Graduation Project this year.
If I do not present an approved Proposal paper from my sophomore English curriculum, I will be scheduled
with a more intensive time frame during my junior year for the Process Component in order to complete
the Project. If I do not meet timeline requirements, including Project meetings during my junior or senior
year, I will be ineligible for all student activities for a minimum of ten (10) school days. If after ten (10)
school days I have completed all delinquent assignments and am successfully meeting timeline
requirements, I will be reinstated and permitted to again participate in school activities. Failure to meet
timeline requirements will also be recorded as an “Incomplete” on Progress Reports and Report Cards and
may result in my being ineligible for Honor Roll and/or National Honor Society.
Please note:
If the student has not met timeline requirements (including submitting materials and meeting with the advisor) and has
not presented by Graduation Project Day, ______________, the student will be ineligible for all activities for
twenty-five (25) school days and will receive a 10 point penalty on the final project score. In addition, all
activities will be halted until the project has been presented with a passing grade. This will include all school
organizations (sports teams, clubs, cheerleading, band, etc.). Students involved in activities that require practices
will be permitted to continue practicing. Members of these school organizations may observe the events as
spectators (not in uniform), not as participants. This also includes attendance on field trips, the semi-formal, the
senior tea, and the prom. Students may present during the twenty-five day period; however, students will remain
ineligible for all activities identified above for 25 school days.
Juniors who fail to complete the Graduation Project with a passing grade by day 170 of the junior year will not have
the opportunity to present until the following school year and can receive a score no higher than 70 in their Senior
year. No student will be reinstated until he or she has successfully completed the project.
Seniors who fail to complete the Graduation Project with a passing grade by day 160 of the senior year will not be
permitted to graduate on stage.
Student Name (printed)
_________________________________________
Student Signature
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (printed) _________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_________________________________________
Date
__________________________________________
7
Timeline for Completion of the Project
Sophomores
Orientation will be conducted at the beginning of the students’ sophomore year at the discretion of the Principal
and English Coordinator.
Teachers and students will be given project information, such as the student contract and curriculum plan
for the sophomore Project Proposal paper and the junior Graduation Project.
Sophomores will be advised prior to beginning the Project Proposal paper about the consequences of not
completing a satisfactory Proposal.
Sophomores must have topics for the tenth grade Project Proposal paper approved by the Graduation Project
Advisor(s) in each building, prior to beginning the tenth grade Project Proposal.
Tenth Grade English teachers will evaluate the proposal according to the criteria of the Graduation Project
Assessment Standards, explain the assessment used during the presentation of the assignment, and provide the
guidance and opportunity for an appropriate student presentation of the proposal.
Sophomores must have the tenth grade Project Proposal paper approved and completed prior to the end of
the third quarter. The final draft of the Project Proposal paper will be submitted, graded, and returned to
the student prior to the end of the fourth quarter of the tenth grade school year. The proposal will be worth
at least 25% of the student’s 4th quarter grade.
Juniors
Orientation will be conducted at the beginning of the students’ junior year at the discretion of the Principal and
English Coordinator. Teachers and students will be given copies of the “Graduation Project Information Guide,”
and the process will be thoroughly explained.
Juniors will be made aware that all activities will be halted, if at any point during the process of the project, the
advisor and principal feel the project timeline is not being met.
Juniors must have the process for the written component of the graduation project portfolio completed
according to the agreed timeline. The final presentation must be completed on or before Graduation Project
Day. Presentations after Graduation Project Day will be assessed a 10 point penalty.
8
Time Schedule for Students and Project Advisor
Throughout their junior school year, students will meet periodically with the Project Advisor according to a
timeline established by the Advisor.
After the Advisor has approved a student’s Written Component, the Advisor and the Principal may schedule the
Project Review Panel at any appropriate time.
Students may also meet with the Advisor regarding any questions or concerns by scheduling an appointment.
The Principal and Advisor will confer about students who fail to report at times scheduled with the Advisor and
arrange appropriate consequences.
Transfer and Foreign Exchange students will confer with the Guidance Department concerning the requirements
of the Graduation Project. Guidance Staff will introduce the student to the Project Advisor, and the Advisor and
student will develop a timeline that is mutually convenient to both and to ensure the student’s successful
completion of the project.
Project Assessment
The Project Assessment is composed of a Written Component and a Presentation/Demonstration. The Written
Component (Portfolio) must be rated proficient by the student’s Advisor before the student presents the Project to
the Project Review Panel. The Project Review Panel will evaluate the Presentation/Demonstration according to
the Assessment Scoring Standards.
Quarterly Grades:
 Blank Grade – Student is completing project according to set timeline.
 Incomplete (I) – Student is NOT completing the project according to set timeline. Those students with an
Incomplete (I) for the Graduation Project will be excluded from Honor Roll and National Honor Society.
 Students will receive a grade for the Graduation Project at the end of the quarter in which he/she presents.
If Presentation/Demonstration does not meet the minimum time requirement, the student will receive a
failing grade and must repeat the Presentation/Demonstration. If the overall Project Assessment is
scored as failing, students must repeat the presentation. The grade on the Portfolio will remain the
same.
11th Grade students who do not present by Graduation Project Day are subject to a 10 point scoring
penalty.
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Student Name______________________
Topic_________________________
Assessment Form for Student Proposal
YES
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Student has complete description of topic.
TOPIC
Student provides valid reason(s) why topic was
chosen.
RESEARCH
Student provides valid information how topic will be
researched and the resources that will be
provided.
PROCESS
Student provides a tentative order of steps to
complete the project.
DEMONSTRATION/EXHIBITION
Student provides a clear explanation of the
demonstration/exhibition which includes materials
to be used during the presentation.
Total Points:
NO
Each Category is worth
20 points.
10
Assessment Form for Portfolio
Student Name ____________________________ Topic _____________________ Date _____________
Excellent
Poor
CONTENT
Communicates an informative and precise
summary of the information being presented
Effectively selects relevant and effective
information to enhance knowledge of overall
project
Adheres to all advisor specifications and
recommendations regarding length of each
specific type of entry
Includes a signed Project Contract, Academic
Integrity, and all necessary community service
paperwork (if applicable)
Includes appropriate number of assigned portfolio
entries (13 total)
Includes a Works Cited page composed in MLA
format
Overall score for CONTENT
5
4
3
2
1
FORMAT
Times New Roman
Size 12 font
Double-spacing
Standard margins
Proper labeling of specific, individual entries
Works Cited completed in proper MLA format
Overall score for FORMAT
5
4
3
2
1
ORGANIZATION
Each entry focuses around a central thesis or main
idea
Each entry builds upon and enhances the overall
learning experience of the student
Overall score for ORGANIZATION
5
4
3
2
1
CONVENTIONS
Reflects proper usage of grammar, punctuation,
and capitalization
Overall score for CONVENTIONS
5
4
3
2
1
ADHERENCE TO TIMELINE
Student met all timeline requirements as set forth
by their individual advisor
Overall score for ADHERENCE TO TIMELINE
5
4
3
2
1
OVERALL PORTFOLIO GRADE:
(Maximum possible: 25 points)
Comments:
11
Assessment Form for Presentation/Demonstration
Student Name ____________________Topic___________________________Date_________________
Start Time _________
End Time (Excluding Question and Answer) __________
Excellent
Poor
CONTENT
Communicates supporting information or data
Communicates conclusions
Uses precise, accurate, & appropriate
vocabulary
Overall score for area of Content
5
4
3
2
1
EFFECTIVE SPEAKING
Uses body language which enhances the Oral
Presentation/Exhibition
Maintains consistent eye contact with members
of the audience
Enunciates clearly, correctly, efficiently
Varies tone, volume, and speed to enhance Oral
Presentation/Exhibition
Overall score for area of Effective Speaking
5
4
3
2
1
ORGANIZATION
Is appropriate to the topic
Uses an engaging beginning and a thoughtful
ending
Clearly focuses around a controlling idea or
thesis
Moves smoothly from one idea to the next
Overall score for area of Organization
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
VISUALS AND DEMONSTRATION
Effectively uses at least two types of visual
elements
Clearly, accurately, and precisely communicates
significant information or data
Overall score for area of Visual Media and
Demonstration
RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
Effectively responds to all questions from the
Project Review Panel
Overall score for Response to Questions
OVERALL PRESENTATION GRADE- Total
Score for all Categories (25-0)
Project Review Panel Member: _________________________Comments: _____________________
12
Remediation Procedure - Process Component
The Principal and Project Advisor should follow this procedure for students who do not comply with the timelines
or any other phases of the Project and are thus in danger of not successfully completing the project:

When appropriate, before mid-term examinations, the Advisor will inform the Principal of students who
have not adhered to the Process Component timeline. If at any time the project is not completed, the
Advisor may request that the Principal notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) and schedule a meeting with the
Principal and/or Advisor. The Principal may ask the Guidance Counselor to participate in the meeting. In
addition, at the end of each quarter the Project Advisor will place an Incomplete on the report card if the
student is not meeting scheduled requirements.

During the meeting, the Principal will explain that the student is in danger of not fulfilling graduation
requirements, and the Principal and Advisor will provide a time frame for the student to complete the
necessary process in the 11th Grade. The Principal will document the meeting by acquiring the
signature(s) of the parent(s)/guardian(s).The Principal and Advisor will determine if further meetings are
necessary, schedule and document them accordingly.

For students who are experiencing difficulty with any aspect of the Project, the Project Advisor may
request additional meetings or meetings with any other staff who could assist the student with the Project.
Remediation/Make-up Procedure
The Principal and Advisor will inform the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) of the make-up guidelines for students
who are “Failing” as a result of the Written Component. Presentation/Demonstration evaluations that fail will
be placed into a remediation and make-up procedure. Remediation refers here to the completion of a failed
Project, not the beginning of a new one. However, if the student is experiencing unusual difficulty with this
particular Project, the Advisor and student could agree about beginning a new one. The Principal and Advisor
will schedule a remediation timeline. The failed evaluations must be rated “Passing” by the end of the
student’s junior year.
Students must be aware that if the project has not been completed by the end of the junior year, all activities will
be halted until the project has been presented with a passing grade during the student’s next school year. This
will include all sports teams, clubs, band, as well as attendance for field trips, the semi-formal, the senior tea,
and the prom. No student will be reinstated until after he or she has successfully completed the project.
If a senior fails to complete the project, he/she will not graduate that June and will not participate in the
graduation ceremony.
13
Roles of Professional Staff
Graduation Project Steering Committee
Comprised of the Superintendent, the Deputy Superintendent, the Curriculum Director, the English
Coordinator, the Supervisor of Instructional Technology, the District Secondary Principals and the Assistant
Principals, the teachers, the students, other staff, community members, and any other members appointed by
the Superintendent.
Oversees the Project and makes all major decisions as necessary, with approval of the Superintendent.
Creates and/or changes policy, with approval of the Superintendent.
English Coordinator
Serves as the district coordinator for the Project
Oversees the implementation and coordination of the Graduation Project and monitors its progress.
Serves as a member of the Graduation Project Steering Committee
Serves as the liaison for the members of Graduation Project Steering Committee and the building personnel
involved with the Project
Resolves problems expeditiously
Addresses matters of concern with the appropriate personnel
Updates the Information Guide as necessary
Principals
Arrange for copies of the Graduation Project Information Guide to be distributed and explained
Confer with the Project Advisor(s) to assign the members of the Project Review Panel and arrange a schedule
of Oral Presentations/Exhibitions
Work directly with the English Coordinator and Advisor(s)
Advisors
Approve the Project topic and meet periodically with students to guide them through the Project
Possess the authority to have students excused from scheduled classes as necessary for scheduled
appointments
Guide students with topic choice ensuring that the topic is appropriate
Inform the students about the Assessment Standards and the timeline
Complete interim evaluation reports for the students and parent/guardian and follow appropriate steps if a
student is not meeting the requirements of the timeline
14
Assist the students in integrating the Written Component with the Oral Presentation and Exhibition during
periodic meetings with the students throughout the school year
Organize and keep all Project documentation
Approve the final Written Component of the Project prior to final submission to the Project Review Panel
Submit a request for student Oral Presentation and Exhibition times to the Project Review Panel
Inform principal, activities director, athletic director and faculty of students who are ineligible to participate in
activities and athletic competitions
Mentor
An individual inside or outside the school environment, selected by the student, who may serve as a resource
person to assist the student with the Project
Assists the student with the Project by providing knowledge, resources, and guidance
Works with the student’s Advisor and informs the Advisor about the student’s progress with the Project
Students
Students will complete the Project as outlined in this manual
Students who have special needs will receive a diploma based on the successful completion of the criteria in
the IEP
Students with limited English proficiency will receive appropriate instructions for the Graduation Project
process, arranged by the Principal and Advisor
The Principal and project advisor will present a fair timeline for project completion for students who transfer
from outside the district
Students who are transfers from another Wilkes-Barre Area School District school will adhere to the same
guidelines as other district students
If a student is a foreign exchange student and will receive a diploma from the Wilkes-Barre Area School
District, that student must complete the Graduation Project according to district guidelines
Project Review Panel
Composed of three members and arranged by the Principal and Project Advisor, who also schedule the Oral
Presentation and Exhibition
Attend the students’ Oral Presentation and Exhibition and evaluate the Presentation on the basis of the
appropriate Assessment Standards
Provide suggestions for those students who’s Project has been judged Below Average
Guidance Counselors
15
Confer with transfer students regarding requirements of the Project
Introduce transfer students to the Project Advisor
Notify the Project Advisor by completing a transfer form
Assist with the Project as requested by the English Coordinator, Principal, and/or Steering Committee
Librarians
Assist the students with research
Provide the students with technological and other resources
Assist with the Project as requested by the English Coordinator, Principal, or Steering Committee
Activities Directors
Inform activity advisors of students who are ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities
Athletic Directors
Inform coaches of students who are ineligible to participate in competitions
16
Academic Integrity
Webster defines plagiarism as “taking the ideas, writings, etc. from another and passing them off as one’s own.”
Simply put, plagiarism is theft. Stealing ideas is the same as stealing words. You must give credit for ideas as
well as language of others. Since your paper will be composed from a variety of sources, use utmost caution
in quoting, summarizing, paraphrasing, and citing the sources.
Generally, when in doubt, document.
Documentation should be carefully constructed according to MLA format. Your own opinion and information
should be differentiated from that of other sources. Organize and analyze your information so that you clearly
understand it and adapt it to your Project purpose.
Academic integrity is an issue as well and must be maintained. For instance, a student who writes the paper and
attributes information to a source that is fictitious, or a student who copies any part of a previously submitted
project, has not maintained academic integrity. Students falsifying any aspect of their work in such ways will
be subject to project failure.
Plagiarism will result in project failure and may require starting the entire process over.
I have read the plagiarism policy. I understand that if I am caught cheating in any way during this process,
I will receive zeros for all parts of the process, thus jeopardizing my grade.
_____________________________________
Student Signature
Date
______________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
Date
Name: _____________________________________
Date: ______________________________________
17
Dear Mentor:
The juniors of Wilkes-Barre Area School District have recently submitted proposals for their required
Graduation Projects. We appreciate your willingness to help one of our students complete this
process during this school year.
The Graduation Project has been developed to showcase and celebrate students’ successful completion of
their public education. The purpose of the Graduation Project is to afford the student an opportunity
to provide volunteer service to the community or demonstrate individual talents and apply learning to
life.
Each junior has a Graduation Project Information Guide, which describes the requirements and the
guidelines of the project. In addition, it is the responsibility of the student to provide you with an
evaluation form.
You will note that the student has a very specific set of tasks and designated due dates. It is not your
responsibility to be certain the student turns in the required work. However, it would be helpful if you
were familiar with the dates and the requirements and encourage the student you are assisting. We
greatly appreciate your willingness to work with a Wilkes-Barre Area student on this project.
If questions or concerns arise, please contact me immediately at
____________________________________.
Sincerely,
Mr. or Ms. ________________________
Graduation Project Advisor
18
Mentor Evaluation
Wilkes-Barre Area School District
Student’s Name:_________________________________________________
High School:____________________________________________________
Project Title:____________________________________________________
The Wilkes-Barre Area School District would like to thank you for all the time you have spent with the
student and hopes that this has been a rewarding experience. Since most of the time spent on the
Graduation Project’s Community Service/Skills Demonstration component has been outside of class,
your perceptions are of utmost importance since the student’s effort in this component of the project
will be evaluated. Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible and return this
form to the student, who is responsible for returning your comments to his/her Graduation Project
Advisor.
1. To what extent were you directly involved with the student during the community service/skills
demonstration component of the project?
____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What growth in the student’s knowledge have you personally observed throughout the course of
this project?
____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Based on your knowledge and opinion, are you satisfied with the effort of the student and the
quality/accuracy of the content of the completed project? What do you think could have been better?
____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. In your opinion, what was the most valuable information/experience you shared with the student?
____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________ _______________________________________
Mentor Signature
Date
Please use the back of this form to add any additional comments or suggestions.
19
Wilkes-Barre Area School District – Graduation Project
Community Service Project Verification Form
I have decided to complete the community service component of the Graduation Project.
This
community service project is related to _________________________. I agree to complete 30
volunteer service hours to satisfy this requirement.
Student Signature:_______________________________________
Date:_____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________
Date:_____________________
20
Appendix A
Some Possible Visual Elements for the Graduation Project

produce any technology based presentation/exhibition – ex., video, audio, animation, CD-ROM, web
page, Power Point Presentation

do a photo essay

compile a scrapbook

build a model or an exhibit

perform a live demonstration

prepare charts or graphs

develop an interactive computer demonstration

design a mural or art project

develop a simulation

perform in a debate

arrange an experiment

perform or write a musical selection (vocal or instrumental)

choreograph a dance

reenact an historical or dramatic scene

teach a lesson

conduct a panel discussion

conduct and record interviews

showcase a collection of information relevant to the topic

present research or information to assist others or the community

present a community project

present a problem-solving project
21
Appendix B
Journal Guide
Each journal should open with a detailed discussion of what has been done to satisfy the requirements of
the project. In addition, each journal should address/answer one of the following topics/questions:
1. Discuss something about your topic/experience that you did not expect or that you had been unaware
of prior to this point.
2. Based on the information you have obtained thus far, do you feel that you made the proper project
choice?
3. What preparations did you make for conducting your research? What specifically did you learn
through your interviews that might have surprised you? What was your comfort level in conducting
the interviews? Do you feel the interviews were successful and provided you with valuable
information?
4. Do you feel you can or will incorporate the lessons you’ve learned while compiling the information for
this project into any future plans- educational or professional?
5. What changes/adjustments would you make to your topic area as you’ve now found it to exist (i.e.
improvements/alterations, etc.)
6. Discuss any obstacles you have faced that presented the most problems or challenges (interviews,
research, transportation, time, etc.). What did you do to overcome these obstacles?
7. What did you enjoy most about the process of completing your Graduation Project? What did you
enjoy least? What specific changes would you make?
8. Do you feel you have done enough to the point where you are comfortable with your project’s overall
content and with presenting to/demonstrating for your panel? If not, what can you do to improve the
overall quality of your Graduation Project?
Please note: A Works Cited is required to catalog the research.