NORTH CAROLINA GRADUATION PROJECT

WELCOME!

Welcome to the North Carolina Graduation Project Web site! This website has been developed as a NC Department of Public Instruction resource for materials and information related to the support and implementation of the NC Graduation Project in our states’ high schools. Now a high school graduation requirement, the NC Graduation Project will play a significant role in assisting students to demonstrate their learned knowledge and skills through a 21st Century performance-based process. This process will involve students, schools, parents and communities. It is an opportunity for students to spend extended time delving into a topic for which they have a particular interest and passion, and serves as a summary and reflection of the student’s experience. Prior to graduation, students are given the opportunity to present what they have accomplished and learned to their project partners, school family, and members of the community. This culminating demonstration is a personal affirmation of a student’s individual achievement and a memorable experience to mark the conclusion of thirteen years of public education. To all students who embark on the NC Graduation Project process and to all educators who are involved in helping equip students with the abilities to accomplish the Project, I wish you rewarding involvement and the very best success.

June Atkinson, State Superintendent

The North Carolina Graduation Project Web site provides documents and resources to inform anyone who is interested in or working with the Project. The NC Graduation Project is an integral part of the state's High School Exit Standards. It is a performance-based exit assessment that provides students with a vehicle to demonstrate their knowledge and skills as they prepare to graduate from high school. Students must master the skills necessary to complete the NC Graduation Project successfully before exiting high school. Though the project culminates in the graduation year, educators should begin discussing it with students and teaching the necessary skills to be successful on the NC Graduation Project as early as the elementary and middle school years. Students should be building 21st Century knowledge and skills throughout their public school education in order to experience competency and success in the world of work or post high school endeavors. By involving students in the NC Graduation project, the State Board of Education's goals are to assure all students' ability to operate in an ever demanding, challenging global world. The NC Graduation Project represents a beneficial addition to the exit standards and is designed to increase student achievement and prepare more competent and productive citizens for the 21st Century.

The NC Graduation Project represents a beneficial addition to the exit standards and is designed to increase student achievement and prepare more competent and productive citizens for the 21st Century.

Howard Lee, Chairman, State Board of Education