Purpose Statement: Independent Senior Project
At Raisbeck Aviation High School, the purpose of the independent senior project is for students to demonstrate mastery of the intellectual and
professional skills and habits of mind necessary for success in life after high school. In order to best serve this purpose, and to remain true to
the mission and vision of Raisbeck Aviation High School, senior projects at RAHS must meet three fundamental criteria.
1. Projects must focus on a significant new learning for the student, in one of two ways
a. A skill or knowledge set that is entirely new to the student
b. Elevating an existing skill or knowledge set to a significantly higher and more complex level
2. Projects must be specifically and demonstrably STEM related, with tangible connections to a future
academic or career pathway
3. Projects must be developed and completed independently by the student
Completed projects that successfully meet the above criteria will adequately demonstrate a student’s readiness for the
independence and responsibility of academic and professional life after high school, and satisfy the senior project requirement for
graduation from Raisbeck Aviation High School.
Independent Senior Project –
Quarterly Milestones for Juniors and Seniors
JUNIOR YEAR:
Q1:
Q2:
Q3:
Q4:
Brainstorm project ideas and formats
Identify and contact possible mentors
Submit complete rough draft of project proposal
Receive project proposal approval
SENIOR YEAR:
Q1:
Q2:
Monthly check in with advisor (calendar, logs, artifacts)
Monthly check in with advisor (calendar, logs, artifacts)
Q3:
Preliminary/practice presentation and reflection paper (start of quarter)
Final presentation (end of quarter)
Q4:
Address elements of a provisional pass – resubmit materials as needed, complete hours, and file completion of
paperwork, etc.
Senior Project Cover Page
Senior’s Name
Senior Project Title
Abstract for Senior Project
Abstract for STEM Content in your Senior Project
Senior Project Deliverables
Your project must include measurable deliverables on different dates so adequate continued progress can be assessed by your advisor, your
mentor, and your parents. At least one of these deliverables must document your STEM content. We recommend at least one deliverable
per quarter during Senior year to gauge progress. You must provide a date, entering “Q2” for example, is not sufficient.
Deliverable
Delivery Date
Comments
 STEM Content
 STEM Content
 STEM Content
Mentor Name
Mentor Profession
Mentor Email
Approval
Date
Mentor Signature
Student
Signature
Advisor Signature
Students with Disabilities/English Language Learners
Students with disabilities may require accommodations and/or modifications to complete their work. All student IEPs, 504 plans, and/or ELL
accommodations apply to the Senior Project process. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your counselor or special education teacher.
Intellectual Integrity
Intellectual integrity is the cornerstone of being a self-directed learner. It is imperative that students
present an honest accounting of all senior-project related activities. Students falsifying any aspect of their work will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary action, ranging from submitting completely new, verifiably original work up to and including loss of the privilege to participate in
commencement ceremonies.
Scoring Rubric for Senior Project Presentations appear on the next page.
Senior's Name: _______________________________________
Project Title/Subject: __________________________________
Pass / Fail
Evaluator's Name: _____________________________________
Senior Project
Presentation Rubric
Directions: Please use this review sheet to record your assessment and feedback on each presentation you view.
Proposed Elements
Seniors: List here each
deliverable element of
your project that you
proposed to
accomplish. These are
the same pieces your
indicated you'd
accomplish when
writing your Project
Proposal. Which pieces
of your project do you
want the judges to
evaluate?
STEM
Seniors:
Indicate
which of
your
deliverable
elements is
a STEM
related part
of your
project.
Completion
Judges: Record
here whether
the element in
question was
accomplished
as a part of the
senior project.
Did they do
what they said
they were
going to do?
Notes on Quality
Describe the quality
of each particular
element. Did it
appear to be thrown
together at the last
minute? Was it
incomplete? Was it
obviously done with
care and attention to
detail?
Standard
Record here whether this
element of the senior
project accomplishes what
the project proposal said it
would do. Does this
element meet the generally
accepted standard for
quality established in the
proposal? Assign it an A
(rocked it!), B (mostly), C
(kind of) or F (nothing)
grade.
Next Steps
If a proposed element
hasn't met standard
(has earned a C or an
F), record here any
specific steps a
student should take in
order to meet
standard, if they have
not yet done so.
When/
Where
Record
here
where
and to
whom
the
student
should
present
these
next
steps.
i.e.
I will collect data on
composting variables.
X
No. Student
has no records
of data
collected.
Without records,
there is no way to
determine how
accurate the
findings in this
case are. Has the
scientific method
been followed?
F
Student needs to
either produce the
data collected
during this
experiment, in an
organized manner
that supports the
analysis. OR
Student needs to
reproduce the data
collection process to
demonstrated
understanding of
the process.
Present
to Ms.
Carper
within
the next
two
weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
Answer:
When can I start working on my project?
Exploratory work can be done throughout high school, but project approval will not be granted until the spring semester of
your junior year. The 30 hours cannot be counted toward the project until the start date of your senior year.
Question:
Answer:
Will the senior project affect my GPA?
No, it will not affect your GPA.
Question:
Answer:
What if I am in Running Start?
All students who participate in Running Start are required to complete the Senior Project. Students who intend to participate
in Running Start need to plan carefully to ensure successful completion of their project. Work done for the Senior Project
must be in addition to coursework that receives high school credit.
Question:
Answer:
How do you get your proposal passed?
You must go through your junior or senior project advisor.
Question:
Answer:
What are the steps to appeal a proposal?
1. The student submits original documents, revisions, and/or advisor comments to administration.
2. The student includes a written summary describing efforts attempted—one paragraph maximum.
3. Administrator will approve or offer guidance to bring proposal into compliance. Advisor will be notified.
Question:
Answer:
How STEM-related does my project have to be?
All projects will connect to something learned at RAHS. Ideally, the project will have a STEM connection.
Question:
Answer:
Do I really have to have a mentor?
Yes, the mentor’s role is to support your learning.
Question:
Answer:
Where do I find a mentor?
Some potential sources could be…
 Steve Davolt, RRAHS Work-based Learning Coordinator
 Family friend—over 25 years of age with experience in field
 Ask RAHS staff members for ideas
Question:
Answer:
If we were told by past administrators that the project was ok and my advisor doesn’t approve it, what do I do?
If the project was approved by prior administration, then the advisor will be made aware of the agreement and sign the
approval.
Question:
Answer:
Why do standards seem to vary by teacher?



Different teachers bring their own experiences and background to decision making.
A learning stretch for one student is not necessarily a stretch for another student.
Advisors aim to guide students toward a challenging but achievable project—student by student.
Question:
Answer:
Can I choose my own topic?
One of the unique things about the senior project is the flexibility students have to pursue what interests them. For example,
you could choose a topic in plate tectonics, solar technology, musical instrumentation, data collection and analysis, computer
technology, etc.
Question:
How will the schools keep track of what we have finished on project? Will it be on our report card?
Answer:
You will be keeping track of your progress within your online portfolio.
Question:
Do students have to complete all FOUR of the components satisfactorily including
the Culminating Presentation, to pass the project requirement?
Yes. The Proposal-including the front signature page, all Culminating Presentation Materials, the Presentation, and
the Reflection Paper.
Answer:
Question:
Answer:
My GPA is high. Do I still have to do the senior project to graduate?
Yes, all students must complete a senior project in order to graduate. It is an opportunity to advance your learning in an area
of value to you.
Question:
Answer:
What happens if I don’t meet the requirements of the project?
You do not graduate. You will be able to enroll in the following semester and receive support, even during summer school, but
summer school requires a fee.
Question:
Answer:
What if I don’t understand what to do?
You should first re-examine the standards. Next, you should talk to your senior advisory teacher. If you need more support
make an appointment and meet with an administrator or counselor. They are very well connected to all kinds of support to
help you.
Question:
Answer:
What if I miss the target completion dates?
Target dates are established at school to allow for students to reach set goals. Target dates allow for drafts to be revised and
resubmitted several times. Missing these dates indicates that you are behind. It is best if you start early, meet target dates, and
establish good communication with your teachers. Missing target dates means you will have to work harder to catch up. You
want to have plenty of time to get feedback on your work so that you meet standard before the semester deadline and do not
have to be nervous or pressured.
Question:
Can I participate in my school’s commencement exercise if I have passed all my
required classes but have not completed all the requirements for the project?
No. The project is a graduation requirement. All graduation requirements must be met
before a student can participate in a commencement ceremony.
Answer: