LATEST UPDATE
Friday, MAY 30th, 2008
Yes, but with certain parameters and restrictions. In Collaborative Projects (such as starting a small business), individual student roles must be specifically defined before the project starts. Each Student must have their own: Paper, Portfolio and Presentation. They may share their "product" if it's approved before starting. Students may have some shared research. A well thought out plan must be presented and approved by the Graduation Project Committee BEFORE students begin. Teamwork is an essential part of a student's growth. We encourage this for the Graduation Project and for all students at KHS.
Yes, however you will need to get it approved from the Graduation Project Committee. We encourage all students to create NEW PROJECTS for the Graduation Project. Students can use their knowledge gained from creating their previous project and start a new one. Students can only gain new insight and knowledge from redesigning an old completed project.
Yes, but remember: your research, collected information (portfolio) and research paper all need to relate to the product.
Students are assigned to a TEACHER ADVISOR at KHS that will help with GENERAL Graduation Project areas (See Teacher Information Page) Your assigned advisor may not have any background on your chosen topic, but can help you research potential Mentors in the community. Advisors need to know the process but may not know your area content. Your Mentor needs to be knowledgeable about the topic you've chosen.
The KHS Graduation Project Committee will determine each Judging Panel for the presentation portion. Each panel comprises three members chosen from the following areas: Knightdale Community / Business Members, KHS Students' Parents (parents of presenting students cannot judge their own children.), WCPSS Teachers, KHS Teachers and Faculty.
No. The only time you can present your product before the judging panel is during the Fall or Spring Semester of your Senior year.
Students first have their chance to present their findings in front of the judging panel during the Fall Semester. Students that do not pass the presentation have a second and third chance to present in the Spring Semester.
The Judging Panel will give you feedback on areas of your presentation that did not meet the passing criteria. You can rework your presentation to present again.
No. You have to present the entire information a second time, because there will be an entirely new judging panel for your second attempt.
Students that will graduate early from KHS will have priority to present in front of the judging panel in the Fall Semester. If second or third attempts are needed, those presentation time are set up on a case by case basis.
No. Your performance is not included within the 7-10 minuets that you need to present in front of the judging panel. Your time starts AFTER your performance concludes.
You have as many chances needed to pass the paper and portfolio (in the time BEFORE graduation). Students can pass either part with 70% (meaning that you have made a satisfactory level. See PAPER or PORTFOLIO for CRITERIA.). You may resubmit your Paper and Portfolio with reworked / or additional areas, until you pass.
Here at KHS, students have wide ranging access to computers and technology: The media center and each classroom has computer access and printers. Students can also use computers at local and county library systems. Network with students at school, family members or neighbors who may have a computer at home that you may use. Technology IS A REQUIREMENT to pass the Graduation Project (see PORTFOLIO RUBRIC / Information, Technology and Communication Literacy)
KHS will set up a "Volunteer Parent List" on this web site, so that you can make contacts outside KHS to work on the Graduation Project. We also suggest that you "team-up" with students at KHS that are interested in the same areas that you are. Ask your Teacher Advisor to help you find those students or an outside Mentor for your project.
Students graduating in 2010 (Sophomores in 2007-2008) will be assigned to teacher advisors (THESE TEACHERS ARE ALSO ON THE GRADUATION PROJECT COMITTEE) starting Monday, May 5th. Those students will receive location and time for that meeting during school hours. Students that meet up with their teacher advisor should have a list of questions ready for that meeting.
All other students (Graduating in 2011 and beyond) will be assigned to other KHS staff shortly thereafter.
No. Teacher Advisors are matched randomly to students. If you have a specific topic area that you know a KHS teacher is involved with, you may contact them help you find a MENTOR in the community. Teachers and Staff at KHS cannot be Mentors to students, only Advisors (as per directive from the Department of Public Instruction).
Use common sense when determining if your project is appropriate for school. If you have a feeling that your project would get you "into trouble" at school or be illegal in nature, STAY AWAY FROM THAT TOPIC. Pitch your idea (tell your idea) to: your parents, your current teachers (and eventually to your assigned "Teacher Advisor"). They should give you feedback / advice on your topic choice. You should ask yourself: "Is the topic I've chosen something that is usually deemed inappropriate for school ?"
All student Graduation Projects need APPROVAL by the Graduation Project Committee BEFORE you can proceed. Fill out the proper PROPOSAL FORM, submit it to your Teacher Advisor and continue doing research on that topic while you wait for the Graduation Project Committee to approve it.
No. Please see the following link to Department of Public Instruction Policy Manual on Student Accountability Standards / Graduation Requirements. Look below "Proficiency Guidelines". CLICK HERE FOR DPI INFORMATION
If you are leaving KHS for another school (be it in WCPSS or anywhere in North Carolina), you need to complete the Graduation Project. You may take any of your collected information and folder information upon leaving KHS. You will however receive a new Teacher Advisor at the new school.
Different states have different high school graduation requirements. Some states require the Graduation Project, others do not. Check with the Guidance Counselor at your new school to find out. If you need to complete the Graduation Project, you'll already have a head start on the process.
You've been assigned to a Teacher Advisor from KHS. They will contact you through your "Homebound Teacher" and you can still complete the Graduation Project. Utilize the Homebound Teacher as a "go between", to get information and approval for your project. Using this web site and your e-mail will best help you for communicating with your Teacher Advisor and for completing the Graduation Project.
Contact the Graduation Project Committee (using the link at the BOTTOM OF THE HOME PAGE). Send us your e-mail or contact information and we can let you know who your advisor is.
Yes, you still need to meet the same graduation requirements as you would for graduating "on time". In this case, you will need to ACELLERATE / ALTER your timeline to meet your specific needs. Talk to your Teacher Advisor on how to meet earlier deadlines. You will need to set up a special time for your PRESENTAION.
It is mandatory that all KHS students have contact with their assigned KHS Teacher Advisor. It's great that you feel empowered to go forward with your project, but isn't it a good idea to have a "coach" in your corner to "double check" your work? Also, Graduation Project information, regarding dates and location of Presentations, may not be posted and you may have specific questions that the Web Site may not answer. Your Teacher Advisor is there to help you.
Yes, MENTORS are now OPTIONAL. WCPSS recommends that you work with a MENTOR on your project, but it is no longer a requirement.