SLAS Times 2015/2016 Winter 2015 PDF | Page 22

WELCOME TO YOUR SENIOR PROJECT BY JOE WU Annually, every Senior who is eager to graduate from Shanghai Livingston American School (SLAS) has to present his or her Senior Project in front of the whole Secondary Department. Through this project, Seniors are able to display the four core values of SLAS which are: confident individual, creative thinker, proficient communicator, and compassionate citizens of the world. challenges high school Seniors to demonstrate their academic knowledge in a professional way. It includes a research paper and a presentation based on a selected topic. According to the US Department of Education, State Education Boards typically allow individual school districts to customize their project, based on basic state guidelines. In SLAS, the project will be on a global issue. Aileen Lai, a Senior at SLAS said, “The Senior Project widen my view as a global citizen.” She added, “However, it is also a challenge for my time management skills.” Coco Sun, a Senior at SLAS said, “I think my presentation skills will be more proficient through the Senior Project.” She added, “It has impacted my lifestyle too.” (Because I have less free time) The Senior Project is originally found in the United States. Students who attend a public high school are impacted by the No Child Left Behind Act requirement. Although some private high schools require a Senior Project for graduation, the project is not necessary for other schools. The Act requires states in America to develop assessments in basic skills. To receive federal school funding, states must give these assessments to all students at selected grade levels. The Senior Project is basically a research project for graduation that The Senior Project is a way to bring value back to the high school diploma. Also, it supports students as they go out into the world ready for college, the military, entrepreneurship, internship, or whatever path students decide to follow once they graduate. This is a chance for the student to explore a topic of personal interest. By completing this project, students obtain real life experience that can help them in their next adventure in life. 22