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.
