Projects

A project consists of the long-term development of a question or idea that is significant to professionals in the student's specified field of study. Grounded in the content of the TEKS, the project allows students to develop an important content area question or idea in depth, but it does not necessarily reflect broad content knowledge in the field. Additionally, the project will demonstrate the use of sophisticated and advanced research methods and the use of technology appropriate to the field of study. The project results in learning that is demonstrated through products or performances appropriate to and comparable in quality to those of a professional who works in the field of study. A project consists of a product, an abstract, a process record, and a presentation and question-and-answer session.

The product is the focus of the scoring process, and the selection of the format of the product must convey the knowledge and skills learned in the project. This culmination of the student's comprehensive study must exhibit mastery of content and process skills. The final product may be in one of the following formats:

• A written product, such as a formal paper, website, or literary work
• A performance, such as an exhibit or theatrical production

The project should include an abstract that summarizes the project and that includes these components:

• The title of the project
• The purpose or goals of the project
• A description of the product
• A brief description of the project's relation to the TEKS

Along with the product, each student submits a process record that documents the student's learning. The process record may consist of, but is not limited to, an outline, a log, a journal, notes of mentor meetings, weekly progress reports, drafts of previous versions, and/or a bibliography. The format of the process record enables a reviewer to follow the student's learning throughout the project.

Each student project also includes a public presentation that consists of a brief explanation of the project and a question-and-answer session with the audience.

The project teacher or independent study teacher may have additional requirements.

Though page and time limits are not specified, the length of the product, abstract, process record, and public presentation should be sufficient and thorough enough to convey the information and student message without being superfluous.