The Product or Performance

There are some restrictions for projects.
     A. Classes and jobs are not Culminating Projects. You may take a class to help you reach your goal for the project. For example, you may take a guitar class in order to prepare you to write a song, which would be your research, but simply going to class, however, is not a product/performance. You would need to take what you learn in the guitar class and create a product/performance that demonstrates what you have learned..
     B. You may not use hours for which you are being paid. Projects related to jobs must go beyond the regular work schedule and provide for the employer something that is not a part of the student’s typical responsibilities. The project must be something you do beyond your regular classes or co-curricular requirements.

When selecting your project, consider the following:
     Experience – The more knowledge you possess in the project field, the more in-depth your learning stretch should be.
     Technology – There are a limited number of computers at school. Take this into consideration when managing your time.
     Funding – Spokane Public Schools and Joel E. Ferris High School are not responsible for the funding of any culminating projects. While you may find some financial resources, do not propose a project outside of your budget. You need to explain how you will pay for any expenses. You should not anticipate any funding for your project solely on donations; develop alternatives.
     Facility Access – Ferris High School and its’ technology is available to you throughout your educational process. As long as the building is open and there is staff available to assist you, you may have access to our library, computers, printers, and other pertinent technology. If your project includes using a district-wide system, i.e., mail, prior approval must be obtained.

     II. Define your learning stretch. Your project must challenge you in some substantial manner. While it may be connected to something you already know, it should require you to learn new skills and develop a new understanding of your project area. It must move you out of your comfort zone and stretch your abilities to new levels by exploring your subject in a genuinely new and challenging manner, rather than just repeating what you already know or have already learned. You will define your learning stretch in your Proposal Letter. This will give you an opportunity to build a relationship with your Academic Advisor.

     III. Propose your project. Complete the project planning form to help guide you in proposing your project and read the honesty and integrity commitment. Finally, follow the steps for writing your Proposal Letter and turn in your completed letter to your English teacher along with your signed parent/guardian acknowledgement form. Your letter will be assessed using the Letter of Intent rubric. You must pass ALL criteria in order to pass this project.

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