Spokane Public Schools
Culminating Projects Guidelines
FAQ

What is the Culminating Project in Spokane Public Schools?
• A capstone project completed by the end of senior year on a topic of each student’s choice
• A rigorous and relevant learning stretch that challenges students to apply knowledge and skills acquired in grades K-12
• A celebration of a milestone in a lifetime of learning
• A state and district graduation requirement for 2008 and beyond
• A demonstration of proficiency of State Learning Goals 3 and 4
State Learning Goal 3: Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and to integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems
State Learning Goal 4: Understand the importance of work and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities

What are the components of a Culminating Project?
• Paper – research tied to the project 5-8 pages in length, and a works cited page
• Product - a product or performance requiring a minimum of 20 hrs of work
• Portfolio – all written documentation in the Culminating Project process including the body of evidence of research, learning log,
• Presentation – an oral presentation with reflection to a panel of at least 2 adults

Can students take a class or use their job as a Culminating Project?
A student may take a class or use their job as part of the research or new learning for the project but a class or a job alone is not sufficient to meet the guidelines of the Culminating Project.

Does the Culminating Project vary from high school to high school?
All high schools in the Spokane Public Schools have the same district guidelines so components remain constant. However, each building’s details on the Culminating Project may vary slightly.

Are any students exempt from the Culminating Project?
No. According to the state law, all students must complete a Culminating Project as a graduation requirement. Of course, the projects will vary depending on the choice of topic and the learning stretch. While Spokane Public Schools students will follow common basic guidelines, each Culminating Project will be as unique as the student who is doing it.

Is there a standard measure for evaluation?
Yes. There are district check lists called Yes Tests, and standard district rubrics for the paper, portfolio and presentations. District rubrics will be developed from the CP pilots.

Can a student present without being ready?
No. The Culminating Project is a program based upon the premise that exiting high school students should be able to actively and independently read, write, speak, think and do. It is not designed as a barrier to graduation nor to pose any last-minute surprises. Each building will establish safety nets and checks/balances throughout the year to insure that students have every opportunity to be successful. By the time of the presentation, it is a true capstone experience.

How can a student get help?
A help center will be a established where students receive support, guidance, encouragement, and access to materials helpful in completing the components of Culminating Project. In the help center, information is disseminated including guidelines, timelines, deadlines, etc., and completion of components.

Is there support for each student?
Yes. The culminating project is not an independent study. Students will have a teacher/advisor within their school to assist them. Schools will assess the skills needed for the culminating project and insure that those skills are intentionally taught in all grades and most especially in grades 9-12. The skills are learned throughout grades K-12 so students apply them in this celebratory capstone experience.