Reflection paper rubric
- 1. Peters Township High School GRADUATION PROJECT Graduation Requirement beginning with the Class of 2013 (PTSD Policy #5127)
- 2. Peters Township School District Mission Mission The mission of the Peters Township Schools, working in partnership with families and the community, is to educate individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, self-worth, and ethical values necessary to live, learn, lead and flourish in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse global society. Vision Peters Township School District Learning from the Past, Listening to the Present, Leading for the Future Superintendent’s Vision PTSD has a systematic approach of working together toward excellence and expecting it of all student and staff performance. Peters Township High School Mission for the Graduation Project The Mission for the Graduation Project is to support the District’s mission, vision, and expectations by affording students the opportunity to meet the State requirements to demonstrate through research, writing, and the integration of skills and concepts their ability to apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate significant knowledge and understanding while addressing the PA Academic Standards for Career and Work.
- 3. How to Successfully Complete the Peters Township High School Graduation Project: 1. Know its purpose: Through career exploration, the students will research their interests, talents, and abilities as they relate to post-secondary options. A variety of required and optional experiences will lead students toward focusing and discovering desirable and appropriate post-secondary decisions as they relate to a first job/career. This process will be documented and stored by the students in electronic portfolios and presented by the student to a panel of school district professionals for evaluation. The project as a whole is completed independently by the student. It is not part of any class; however, components of the project are considered completed if passed in a class. 2. Know the process: MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE ALL COMPONENTS. NOTE: This is Career Exploration. You do NOT have to pick a career. Graduation Project Evidence of Accomplishment Assessed/Recorded by Electronic Portfolio Electronic Portfolio that will Information Technology include the following: (IT) Teacher Set, Reflect on, Refine a. Goal-setting Worksheet School Counselor Career Goals b. One-page reflection paper of your career Goals from your goal-setting meeting with your counselor Explore Careers At least two of the following: Student—using attached a. Interest Survey Results from rubric the District’s Career Exploration software (one- page reflection) Evaluation Panel—in junior year during in- b. Employer Interview in service days Careers Related to your Career Goals (one-page See School to Career reflection) Coordinator if assistance needed with job shadow. c. Job Shadow in Field Related to your Career Goals (one- page reflection) d. Electronic Search of Careers Reflection Paper (one-page) Develop Resume Resume (keep updating) IT Teacher
- 4. Graduation Project Evidence of Accomplishment Assessed/Recorded by Attend a Career Fair Career Fair Reflection Paper Student—using attached addressing at least 3 careers rubric for self-assessment represented at the Fair related to your goals (two-page) Evaluation Panel—in junior year during in- service days Present a Speech in Speech Outline—indicated as Speech Teacher Speech Class on your having passed using the criteria Career Research from Speech Class Successfully Complete a The Project (e.g.,video file if Classroom Teacher, Classroom Project in any from a media project, written including Community class OR a Service report, lab report if from a Service Teacher Project through the chemistry project, music file if Community Service from a chorus project, etc.) Course that is related to Your Career Goals College Application with Job Application for the job School Counselor Essay or Job Application identified in your career goals if depending upon Career planning on moving directly (stored and completed Goal into the workforce before January 1 of the senior year) College/Post-Secondary Institution Application with related Essay Tell Your Story Using the contents of your Panel of two to three electronic Portfolio, present a Peters Township Faculty thoughtful, reflective journey of (may also include your career exploration. Dress professionals in this professionally for this field) near end of junior presentation. year 3. Know how to begin: a. Preferably as a freshman, meet with your school counselor to set your career goals. b. Ensure that you are scheduled in the IT course your freshman year to create your electronic portfolio and store your resume. c. Use the attached checklist or one you’ve created to keep track of your accomplishments and progress toward completion of your graduation project.
- 5. FAQs 4. To whom do I go with questions? See the chart above for those responsible for assessing/recording individual components of your project. See your school counselor with questions on the remaining components. 5. When can I or must I “Tell My Story”? All juniors will “Tell Their Story” during an in-service day toward the end of their junior year. 6. Can my reflection papers be of a shorter or longer length? • The minimum length for acceptance is listed above (pgs. 3 & 4). • Papers may run over by one short paragraph, but you are expected to be direct and concise. Long papers will not be considered. 7. May I present at a different time? • Juniors who do not pass their project will have an opportunity to present again as seniors • No presentations will be entertained prior to the scheduled in-service day in your junior year. 8. If I pass all of my required credits and all of the required assessments (e.g., PSSA), but do not do or pass my graduation project, may I still graduate? • No. PA School Code and Peters Township School District Policy (#5127) require passing the graduation project in order to graduate. • Students who have not met ALL of the graduation requirements may not participate in commencement exercises. 9. Is there a suggested timeline to keep me focused? Consider this suggested timeline: • Freshman Year—create electronic portfolio, set career goals, complete resume, begin career exploration, attend career fair. • Sophomore Year—complete a job shadow, successfully complete your career speech, continue career exploration, complete a classroom project or plan take the community service course during the first semester of your junior year.
- 6. • Junior Year—ensure all required documents are in your portfolio and refine their quality; prepare, practice, and present your “Tell Your Story” presentation. • Senior Year—complete a college application or job application if moving directly into the workforce and store the application and the college essay, if one was required in your portfolio, BEFORE JANUARY 1 of your senior year. 10. Will the project receive a letter grade and affect my gpa? • The project is Pass/Incomplete/Not Passed. • Pass/Incomplete/Not Passed will not affect your gpa, but an incomplete (did not include one or more of the required components) at the end of the junior year will preclude honor roll status, will keep you on the SHARP list until it is completed, and will prevent your obtaining a parking pass. 11. If I do not pass my junior year, when can I try again? In January, seniors with Incompletes or who did not pass may try again. 12. What happens if the technology fails and my electronic portfolio is gone? The District will back-up the information in your portfolio. It is STRONGLY suggested that you keep a hard copy of everything you put in your portfolio. This is a good practice for high school, college, and your future careers.
- 7. Peters Township High School Graduation Project Electronic Portfolio Checklist Date Stored in Electronic Required Content Portfolio 1. Electronic Portfolio _(created)_____________________ 2. One-page reflection paper of Career Goals and Goal-Setting Workshop _________________________ 3. Resume _________________________ 4. At least two of the following: a. One –page Reflection Paper of Interest Survey and Survey Results from the District’s Career Exploration software _________________________ b. One-page Reflection Paper of Employer Interview in Careers Related to your Career Goals _________________________ c. One-page Reflection Paper of Job Shadow in Field Related to my Career Goals _________________________ d. One-page Reflection Paper of my Electronic Search of Careers _________________________ 5. Two-page Reflection addressing at least 3 careers represented at the Fair related to my career goals _________________________ 6. Speech Outline _________________________ 7. Career-related Classroom Project (e.g.,video, written report, lab report, etc.) or Community Service Project _________________________ 8. Application (due by Jan. 1 of senior year) a. College/Post-Secondary Institution Application with related Essay or b. Job Application
- 8. 8 Habits of Highly Effective Students Successfully Completing the Peters Township Graduation Project (Move from being dependent ► to independence ► to interdependence.) 1. BE PROACTIVE • Begin thinking about how you will complete this process • Do not wait until the last minute and try to cram • Keep good records and print out hard copies of back-up information • Schedule appointments well in advance • KEEP A HARD COPY OF ALL ELECTRONICALLY SAVED DOCUMENTS 2. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND • Ask yourself exactly what you expect your electronic portfolio to look like by the time you are ready to present • Envision yourself presenting—will you stand and present? Will you use technology (e.g., ppt, video, audio, etc.) • Study the rubrics and expectations to ensure you understand what to submit and what the expectations are to pass • Decide if you are just interested in passing or you want your project to be used as an example of quality work that is shared with upcoming classes 3. PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST • Review the expectations of the Graduation Project • Design Your Plan for Successful Completion • Meet with your counselor to set your career goals • Create your electronic portfolio through your IT course (keep it updated) • Create your resume in IT class • Attend the District’s Career Fair 4. THINK WIN-WIN • The graduation project is a great way to meet graduation requirements and showcase your talents, skills, and creativity • The graduation project is an excellent way to prepare for the college/job application process and to make a thoughtful post-secondary choice • Much of what you put into your portfolio can be used later, even in a college interview
- 9. 5. SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD • Ask questions along the way, so that you are not surprised when it is time to present and your electronic documents or your presentation is not acceptable • Read over the rubrics, and seek clarity if you do not understand • Design quality interview questions, so that you truly understand the pre-requisites, time commitment, job tasks, and future of the career you are considering • Attend an afterschool workshop your junior year to practice your “You’re your Story” presentation 6. SYNERGIZE • Work with others to plan and brainstorm • Meet with your counselor • Talk with your IT teacher and the Career Resource Center (CRC) representative (Mrs. Pigman) • Include classroom teachers, parents, peers, siblings, and experts in career fields to guide your career selection 7. SHARPEN THE SAW • Using the habits will keep you focused, less anxious, and able to relax • Keep on schedule and be proactive, so you have time to relax • Recognize that stepping away from any task to refresh and refocus will support a quality product or outcome 8. FIND YOUR VOICE • Be a self-advocate • Don’t select a career goal because someone thinks you should; do the research and determine what is right for you • Create an excellent “Tell Your Story” presentation
- 10. PTHS GRADUATION PROJECT REFLECTION PAPER RUBRIC Exceptional Proficient No credit 2 1 0 FOCUS Clearly states the purpose of the Implies but does not clearly Does not state or imply the activity. state the purpose of the purpose of the activity. activity. Never diverges from the topic. Diverges from the topic. Never diverges from the topic. CONTENT Demonstrates a thorough self- Demonstrates a reflective Lacks development and self- reflective analysis including a analysis including a summary reflection. summary of the activity supported of the activity supported by by specific and illustrative details. details. Does not include a summary of the activity or has Draws conclusions and makes Draws conclusions and makes insufficient details. connections to future plans. a connection to future plans. Does not make a connection to future plans. ORGANIZATION Presents the reflection in a Presents the reflection in a Presents the reflection in a compelling, highly-organized well-organized manner. poorly organized manner. manner. Includes the following Elements are missing that Includes the following elements: elements: impact understanding: • Attention-getting • Introduction with • No introduction introduction, which thesis statement includes thesis statement • No transitions • Transitions • Effective transitions • No conclusion • Conclusion • Reflective conclusion CONVENTIONS Uses articulate and appropriate Uses appropriate language, Uses slang and language, sophisticated word word choice, sentence unsophisticated word choice. choice, and sentence structure. structure. 4 or more errors in: 0-1 errors in: 2-3 errors in: • Grammar • Grammar • Grammar • Punctuation • Punctuation • Punctuation • Mechanics • Mechanics • Mechanics Passing (score of 4 or higher with NO “no credits” ___________ _____________________ Score Number of “No Credits”
- 11. PTHS GRADUATION PROJECT ORAL PRESENTATION RUBRIC: TELL YOUR STORY Exceptional Proficient No credit 2 1 0 Content Discussion includes detailed Discussion includes the career Discussion includes the reflection of the career journey. journey. career journey. Thorough conclusions drawn on all Conclusions drawn on all of all of the Conclusions missing on one of the following: following: or more of the following: • Career goal-setting • Career goal-setting • Career goal-setting • Interest survey results • Interest survey results • Interest survey • Employer interviews • Employer interviews results • Job shadowing in a related • Job shadowing in a related • Employer field field interviews • Electronic career search • Electronic career search • Job shadowing in a • Participation in career fairs • Participation in career fairs related field • Career speech • Career speech • Electronic career • Career-related classroom • Career-related classroom search project OR project OR • Participation in community service project community service project career fairs • Career speech Demonstrates a thorough analysis Demonstrates analysis and synthesis • Career-related and synthesis of this process and of the graduation project/process and classroom project presents a plan for future presents a plan for future endeavors. OR community service endeavors/next steps (e.g.: apply to project post-secondary institution, military, job). Little or no analysis or synthesis of the graduation project process or no plan for future endeavors/next steps. Organization Presents the project in a compelling, Presents the project in a well- Presentation is poorly highly-organized manner. Includes organized manner. Elements are organized. Elements are the following elements: recognizable: missing that impact understanding: 1. attention-getting introduction, 1. introduction with thesis statement which includes thesis statement 1. no introduction 2. transitions 2. effective transitions 2. poor transitions 3. conclusion 3. reflective conclusion 3. no conclusion
- 12. Oral Presentation Exceptional Proficient No credit Rubric cont. 2 1 0 Presentation Uses articulate and appropriate Uses appropriate language and word Uses slang and language and sophisticated word choice. unsophisticated word choice. choice. Minimal use of prompts (e.g., note Overreliance on prompts Minimal use of prompts (e.g., note cards, ppt slides, etc.). (e.g., note cards, ppt slides, cards, ppt slides, etc.). etc.). Few errors in grammar. No errors in grammar. Frequent errors in grammar. Avoids excessive fillers such as Avoids fillers such as “um,” “like,” “um,” “like,” etc. Body language distracts from etc. presentation—lack of or Body language does not distract from distracting gestures, poor Body language enhances presentation—use of gestures, good posture, little or no eye presentation—appropriate use of posture, and eye contact. contact. gestures, posture, and eye contact. Voice Speaks clearly, expressively, audibly; Speaks clearly, audibly, and with Speech is unclear, inaudible, exceptional use of pace and inflection. or monotone. Pace is too fast enthusiasm. or too slow. Presents at an appropriate pace. Attire Dresses “professionally.” Dresses in “business casual.” Dresses unprofessionally. Males--dress slacks, dress shoes with Males--Docker-type slacks, golf- Jeans, shorts, athletic shoes, socks, tie. Professional use of shirt, no tie, casual shoes with socks t-shirt, casual sandals/flip jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle. No (no athletic shoes). No evidence of flops. Excessive use of noticeable body art or piercing. distracting jewelry/make- make-up, distracting Follows student dress code. up/hairstyle/body art/piercings. hairstyle/body Follows student dress code. art/piercings/or jewelry. Females--dress shoes, dress, suit, or dress slacks. Professional use of Females--skirt or slacks and Does not follow dress code. jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle. No sweater/blouse, and dress shoes. No noticeable body art or piercing. evidence of distracting Follows student dress code. jewelry/make-up/hairstyle/body art/piercings. Follows student dress code. Passing (score of 5 or higher with NO (“no credits”) ___________ _____________________ Score Number of “No Credits” Presentation length: __________ minutes Presentation must be between 10 and 15 minutes. Presentations less than 10 minutes or more than 15 minutes will receive an Incomplete.
- 13. NOTES: