Who:
 
1. All Graduating High School Students in NC are effected.
2. Teachers: will become "Advisors" to KHS Students (@ 15 students per Teacher)
3. Community Members: "Mentors" (OPTIONAL) for KHS Students to have a "real world" connection with their project
4. Administration: will need to facilitate and manage time for teachers & students to accomplish tasks (Early Release, 2 Hour Delay, after hours school room use)
 
What:
 
Successfully complete the 4 "P's" by graduation:
 
1. Paper - Thesis / Research Paper (5-7 page document on a topic chosen by the student that poses a question and drives the entire Graduation Project) The research paper, as defined in the NCDPI Exit Standards Implementation Guide, "requires students to develop and demonstrate proficiency in conducting research and writing proficiency in conduction research and writing proficiently about a chosen in-depth topic." The research paper should contain a thesis that the writer proves of disproves through research evidence.

2. Product - A tangible product that is associated to the paper. (15 hours minimum of documented work on the project) Students create a tangible product related to the field and/or research topic selected by the student. The product should be a logical extension of the research paper including service benefiting the school or community. In addition, 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.

3. Portfolio - compilation of journal entries, thesis paper, rough drafts and other information that chronicles the "journey" of the student completing the project. Students will keep a folder of "reflective writing or logs and other forms of student documents" (NCDPI, 2006, p.32) demonstrating both the process and progress throughout the project. The porfolio can be monitored by the project advisor, a course teacher who will assign the grade, and/or a mentor on a regular basis.

4. Presentation - Students must prepare and present a 7-10 Minute formal oral presentation as an analysis of his/her process and self growth from topic selection through project completion. The presentation is given in front of a Review Panel of Judges.
 
When:
 
Starts NOW with this year's 2007-2008 10th Grade Students. (this does NOT APPLY to current 11th or 12th grade students)
Graduating Students of 2010 (and beyond) need to meet this requirement.
 
Where:
 
1. At KHS: Teachers will "advise" students of the process and ways to complete it.
2. Community: Students will complete 15 hours of work on the project. An OPTIONAL "MENTOR" can monitor student's progress.
 
Why:

(See North Carolina State Board of Education Policy Manual ID # HSP-N-000 (Proficiency Guideline 1B)
 
1. Teacher's have a "professional obligation" to assist students with graduation requirements of the state.
2. North Carolina has made the graduation project a REQUIREMENT to successfully gain a High School diploma.
3. Students should have FUN with the graduation project. They choose an area / topic that they enjoy and want to learn more about. They should find a "deeper and meaningful" connection between school and community.
 
How:
 
1. The Graduation Project Committee. started implementation in September, 2007 and will continue to give all stakeholders the proper information to complete the tasks needed.
2. This web site is under construction to facilitate the Graduation Project