Course is one year in length; open to seniors on track to graduate in June.
The course has a lab component in that students will be given class time
with computer access to prepare some documents to be included in the portfolio.
The course offers an opportunity, through the written and oral assignments,
for students to demonstrate the skills they have learned and written and
oral assignments, for students to demonstrate the skills they have learned
and practiced throughout the three previous years of high school, as well
as to be exposed to common situations which will be facing them as young,
and independent adults.
During each year a great deal of “Senior Business” must be handled, which
includes taking care of graduation plans, scholarship announcements, and
senior offers. By having all the seniors in one setting and allotting
time for these activities, the impact on their formal education can be
minimized, while, and more importantly, better tracking and communication
of these offers can be managed.
Senior Seminar and Life Skills is presented in units that are important
in their own right. The student has an opportunity to think about
and discuss situations prior to being asked to act at a later time in life.
Thus, they have some background information to provide them the opportunity
to make better decisions or the knowledge of where to go for information
and support. The evidence each successful student will have will
be contained in their completed Personal Portfolio which will include but
not limited to the following:
•Personal Data Sheet, Resume, Cover Letter, and completed Application
•Senior Project paper
•Senior Project presentation notes and evaluation sheet
•Letter of Complaint/Commendation
•Letter of Opinion
•FAFSA form (financial aid)
•Completed Scholarship forms
•Information sources: Phone numbers and addresses
Guest speakers will be utilized extensively.
GRADING
Since each assigned unit is important on its own merits, the grade will
be determined on the basis of proficient or not proficient. Successful
students will have earned a proficient on the required assignments for
the semester. Proficient grade will equate to a pass. Students
wishing to improve their grade can opt to do so.
Each assignment will be given a required due date. Assignments which
are not turned in by the due or not meeting the proficient standard by
that date will be considered not proficient and at that time the student
is not on track to pass the class. Late assignments (except Senior
Project) will be accepted, with an additional assignment penalty.
All assignments can be turned in early in the semester assigned.
Early assignments can be reworked to meet the proficient standard.
Students need to complete their own work but are encouraged to seek review
of their work prior to the due date. However, the final judgment
of the paper will remain with the classroom teacher. Students are
encouraged to clarify any unclear directions early with the teacher of
record.
The due date for the Senior Project sections will be (they
will not be accepted late):
Research Paper April 15, 1998
Project April 15, 1998
Presentation May 1, 1998
FALL SEMESTER
Students will begin their portfolio, assignments will include:
Employment readiness packet including:
Personal Data Sheet
Resume
Cover Letter
Letter of intent for senior project
Teaching a unit
Letter of Commendation/Complaint
Students should target a due date at least two weeks prior to the due date (one month prior on the sections of the senior project) to insure that work can be completed by assignment due date.
SPRING SEMESTER
Letter of Opinion
Three components of the Senior Project
Application
Mock Employment Interview and thank you letter
Federal Financial Aid Form
Class presentation of three Senior Project components
The teacher will actively seek ways to allow students the opportunity to Job Shadow. Students will be encouraged to seek their own opportunities, as well. However, the safety and security of students will be the prime consideration.