Yes, Empowered Learning At-Home Project-Based Learning assignments will be graded using an interdisciplinary standards-based rubric. As such, it will be important for students to pay close attention to due dates communicated in the Project-Based Learning Plans to ensure assignments are turned in on time for full credit.

All seniors will need to complete three interdisciplinary project-based learning plans during this COVID-19 closure period to meet spring semester requirements and graduate. This decision was made to support both students and teachers during this unprecedented school closure period. These project-based learning plans are designed to teach students essential skills across the required high school subject areas in an organized manner so that students and teachers working remotely can focus on managing one set of assignments and due dates versus many. 

Project-based learning is also an essential skill required in higher education, which makes it ideal for our Class of 2020 seniors. Here is a high-level overview of the three project-based learning plans required of seniors, along with key due dates. As you work on these projects, your teachers will work collectively to support you. 

Project-Based Learning allows us to provide instruction through an interdisciplinary approach, meaning concepts are included from multiple subject areas. The Project-Based Learning Plans foster independence and autonomy, which are essential as students learn from home. We are also mindful of the amount of time students have to learn from home. The Project-Based Learning Plans allow for a great deal of flexibility and self-pacing.

Teachers will check on students frequently to answer questions, give feedback, or provide instruction on a particular activity or concept. Teachers are also available throughout the week and students may reach out to them.

Teachers will assess the work using a standards-based rubric.The rubric for each Project-Based Learning Plan will be provided to students so they are aware of the criteria and expectations.

Every project-based learning plan offers strategies for special education students. Those strategies are listed toward the end of each plan document. If a student needs assistance beyond the strategies listed, or other assistance specific to their needs, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s Case Manager. If you are not sure who that is, please contact:

• Dekaney High School Compliance Specialist: Rosalind Mayshack at rbanksma@springisd.org
• Spring High School Compliance Specialist: Donna Brito at donnabr@springisd.org
• Westfield High School Compliance Specialist: Tasheena Gibson at tgibson@springisd.org
• Early College SpEd Department Chair: Paulette Sokoya at psokoya@springisd.org
• Carl Wunsche Sr. High School SpEd Department Chair: Tim Davis at tdavis7@springisd.org
• Virtual School SpEd Department Chair: Donald Gibson at dgibson@springisd.org

Case Managers will be reaching out to you and your student as well. Please make sure that we have the correct contact information for you!

Yes, absolutely. Students should reach out to their college counselor and check Naviance for updated information on scholarships/grants.

Successful completion of all Project-Based Learning Plans and assignments will count for final course completion. The only assessments being administered remotely are the Advanced Placement exams.