We are using this series of web pages to support our application for the 2009 ISTE SIG MEDIA SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD which features a final project we give to all students in our senior class each year. Both the English teacher, Carol Johns, and the sociology teacher, Mike Ellithorpe, count the work on the project for the final exam grade.
The first year this project was used, it involved the collaboration between three teachers and the media specialist, Betsy Hoffman. At that time we had two staff members teaching sociology, and the one English teacher who taught all seniors. After the second year, the second sociology teacher left, and his classes were picked up by the remaining sociology teacher.
The Media Specialist: Betsy Hoffman. Download Ms. Hoffman's resume.
The English Teacher: Carol Johns. Download Ms. Johns' resume.
The Sociology Teacher: Mike Ellithorpe. Download Mr. Ellithorpe's resume.
Intrigued by a new software program she had just purchased, the media specialist approached the senior English and sociology teachers with an idea for a new cross-curricular project that could serve as a final for the seniors who traditionally slacked off and did little work the last few weeks of school. This "Killer assignment" was immediately accepted by the teachers, pretty much as intially presented. The teachers, working with the media specialist, put together the assignment for the students. The teachers developed the grading rubric, and the media specialist worked on acquiring the necessary software for the project, and on developing a presentation on graphic novels for the students, as well as a demonstration lesson on how to use the software.
Download a copy of actual assignment given to the students.
Download a copy of the grading rubric we use.
From the first year (2006): JC, WC, JM, EMcG, VZ
From last year (2008): JD, AF, KH, SH, AL, LR, EV, EW
Reflections from the first year (2006): AC, AnC, WC, JM, EMcG, VZ
Reflections from the last year (2008): JD, AF, AL, LR, EV, EW
Graphic comparisons: The percentage of students achieving 90 or better, and the average English grades for finals each year. Note that for school years 2002-2003, 2003-2004, and 2004-2005 our graphic novel final project was not used. Our graphic novel final project was used from school year 2005-2006 on.
Download an Excel workbook showing the actual grades the students received (the students' names are omitted) the three years our graphic novel final project has been used, as well as the three years before our project was utilized. The sociology grades are not shown because sociology is an elective, and not all students take it. All seniors are required to take the English course.