The Graduation Guidelines committee continues to advance the vision of the Boulder Valley School District to provide a comprehensive and innovative education for all students so that they are successful, curious, lifelong learners. We are pleased to share that the Successful, Curious, Lifelong Learners priority action team has endorsed the recommendations of both the work from the Capstone and Testing Subcommittees so that all students have the opportunity to meet the new graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2021. The teams are recommending Graduation requirements that include Capstone and Testing options so that students may identify the path that best leads them to success. Developing their curiosity is the first step on that path.
Capstone
A Capstone is the culminating exhibition of a project, performance, or structured experience that demonstrates learning of pre-determined outcomes. Tools will be provided to help organize students’ thinking and ensure each Capstone meets expectations, and the support of a school mentor will occur. A Reflection Journal will be used to record the process leading to the final product.
Capstones will meet the English Standards, Math Standards, BVSD Success Skills, and ICAP plans aligned to the research paper rubric, poster & presentation rubric, and project grade components. The following types of Capstones are recommended for Board approval.
- Event Coordination – Display of learning experienced through community event coordination
- Experiment – Findings of a mathematical or scientific experiment
- Portfolio Defense – Portfolio of best work that displays skills and proficiency in identified content area(s)
- Research Exhibition – Findings of a curriculum based, research-project
- Service Learning – Demonstration of learning experienced through service to the community
Please review the Graduation Guidelines webpage for additional information on how credit will be granted for Capstone projects and the district’s next steps.
Fall 2016 Community Feedback Sessions
During the month of August, middle school principals will be co-hosting Community Feedback Sessions to solicit feedback on the proposed options. Parents, staff and community members are invited to join a session of their choice!
By Rhonda Haniford, Former Principal, Centaurus High School and Michele DeBerry, Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership
Co-Chairs, Successful, Curious, Lifelong Learners Priority Action Team
Tags: capstone, communication, graduation requirements, learning, student success