Beginning with the Class of 2008, completing a Culminating Project will be a graduation requirement for all students.  Washington State’s Culminating Project goals:

• Encourage students to think analytically, logically and creatively and to integrate experience and knowledge to solve problems.
• Give students a chance to explore a topic in which they have a great interest.
• Offer students an opportunity to apply their learning in a “real world" way.

Each high school has the same Culminating Project requirements, but their timelines may vary.  Contact your school for further information.

The Culminating Project graduation requirement consists of three parts: a research paper, a civic action project and a presentation.  Students must show proficiency in all three areas to graduate.

1. Research Paper
   Students will demonstrate their own critical thinking and writing skills to gather and synthesize a body of knowledge.
    
2. Civic Action Project
   The Civic Action Project involves a minimum of 15 hours of carefully planned, documented extracurricular work as well as creation of an appropriate visual for the presentation.  The project is designed to help students develop or improve a skill or performance; design or create a product, service, system or event; or investigate a career to better prepare them for further studies or employment after high school.
    
3. Presentation
   To successfully pass the presentation, students must show proficient speaking techniques and the ability to present information in an organized and logical manner. The presentation is delivered to a panel of four to eight people selected from the faculty and community members.

More information about Culminating Project:
http://www.k12.wa.us/graduationrequirements/CulminatingProjects/default.aspx