An Urban School’s Approach to the Senior Capstone Project: Promoting a Culture of Excellence
- Conference
- Location
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Newark, New Jersey
- Publication Date
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April 22, 2022
- Start Date
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April 22, 2022
- End Date
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April 23, 2022
- Tagged Topic
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Diversity
- Page Count
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48
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--40043
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/40043
- Download Count
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407
Paper Authors
Tina Powell The Orange Public Schools
Dr. Tina Powell,
Assistant Superintendent of Innovation & Systems, Orange Public Schools
Tina attended Kean University in Union, NJ where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Political Science. Shortly after completing her first degree, she pursued a Post Baccalaureate in Pure Mathematics; a program she completed while simultaneously participating in Montclair State University’s INSTEP program – affording her certification in K-12 Mathematics. Tina later earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Kean University and has recently completed Seton Hall University’s Executive Doctorate in Education, k-12 School Administration.
Prior to assuming her current role as Assistant Superintendent of Innovation & Systems, Tina had a long and rewarding career in the Newark Public School system. Serving as a mathematics teacher, Gifted and Talented Staff Developer, Mathematics Resource Teacher/Coordinator, Instructional Technology Supervisor, Vice Principal and finally, Director of Mathematics, she introduced a number of partnerships, initiatives, programs, and opportunities to benefit the children of the Newark Public Schools. Her latest endeavors have introduced an increase in the number and quality of STEM-related opportunities with the Orange Public Schools as the Director of Mathematics and Science; expanding opportunities to underrepresented populations of students to participate in STEM-focused offerings such as Robotics, engineering courses, and high-impact summer camps.
In an effort to further ready students for college success through new models for learning, Dr. Powell, in collaboration with district leads, post-secondary partners, and industry experts founded by the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges. The Academy is a fully integrated STEM education model that uses engineering design, mathematical analysis, and scientific investigation to leverage the natural connections between STEM subjects. The Academy exemplifies an early college model where students earn college credits toward a degree in one of three majors -- Computing Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering.
Tina is also a published artist with works currently displayed in schools, local galleries, and on the web. The subjects of most of her artwork are children from across the globe. It is only fitting that her professional and creative pursuits are influenced by her favorite quote,
“Let the beauty we love, be what we do”…Rumi
Devonii L Reid
Dr. Devonii Reid is the proud principal of STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges located in Orange, New Jersey. Originally, from Harlem, she attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN on a full academic scholarship where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies. Dr. Reid was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and held leadership positions in numerous campus organizations during her time at DePauw University. Shortly after completing her first degree, she became a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher. Dr. Reid earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision and has recently earned her Doctorate in Education, K-12 School of Administration program from Seton Hall University.
Dr. Reid has dedicated the last 10 years to serving students in grades K-12 within the Orange Public Schools. Prior to her appointment as principal, she served as the vice principal of the STEM Innovation Academy and has played a pivotal role in planning and executing the vision and mission of the school. Desiring to increase her educational impact, Dr. Reid has recently become an adjunct professor at Seton Hall where she works with students in the Educational Administration and Supervision, Executive Master’s Program.
Dr. Reid’s educational philosophy is based on Transformative Leadership. She believes true leadership lies within the empowerment of those around her and in creating a collaborative environment where change in education can happen. She is inspired by her family to strive for excellence and always works to improve the lives of others. Dr. Reid continues to be motivated by her favorite quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi.
Abstract
Title: An Urban School’s Approach to the Senior Capstone Project: Promoting a Culture of Excellence
ABSTRACT
This paper offers an analysis of the implementation of the Senior Capstone Project within a mid-size urban public school district.
The Senior Capstone Project is a multidimensional experience that serves as a culminating project for students, typically during their final year of high school or at the end of an academic program. Capstone projects are generally designed to encourage students to research, solve authentic problems, think critically, collaborate with peers and others (ex: mentors), and develop skills such as written and oral communication, civic and social responsibility, global awareness, etc. These soft skills will eventually prepare students for college, career, and real-world success and equip them with a nuanced set of skills that can prepare them for the unknown.
In the mid-size urban public school district, the Senior Capstone Project is a celebration of learning. It is designed to prepare senior students attending the Academy for lifelong learning and productive citizenship through the opportunity to plan, complete, and present a self-directed project reflecting a civic interest. The Academy is a 4-year ‘early college’ model spanning grades 9-12. The racial/ethnic composition of the school is 59% African American and 40% Hispanic whereby 72% of our students are considered economically disadvantaged.
The Academy’s Senior Capstone Project underscores Carlton Jordan’s position that capstone projects are only as successful as the work that precedes them (2016). The Senior Capstone Project is designed to reflect a culmination of the students’ academic experiences in their respective ‘track courses.’ These courses are a sequence of advanced STEM courses beginning with exploratory courses offered in grade 9, then gradually advancing in scope and depth throughout grades 10 through 12. They mimic college majors by which students “declare” their track in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or The Computing Sciences at the end of grade 9, then progress within the chosen track through grade 12. The Senior Capstone integrates 3 elements: Community Service, Project Design, and a Research Paper that explores an overall, student-selected research question.
One example of a research question developed by our students addresses language barriers in healthcare: What disparities exist in the treatment of non-English speaking patients compared to English speaking patients? How can biomedical innovations be used with regards to programs, devices, or interventions to ensure that all patients receive quality care and clear communication with their providers?
This Senior Capstone Project culminated in a written literature review a final research paper, an “app” developed in Apple’s Xcode (an integrated development environment (IDE)) supporting the Swift programming language and designed to help non-English speaking patients navigate the medical arena, a poster, and PowerPoint presentation.
Our white paper will underscore the importance of this unique Senior Capstone Project as a non-traditional educational requirement. By linking the Engineering Design Process to the Service Learning Model, our aim is to reinforce the transferable skills needed for success in the workplace and in a rapidly-changing and competitive world.
Powell, T., & Reid, D. L. (2022, April), An Urban School’s Approach to the Senior Capstone Project: Promoting a Culture of Excellence Paper presented at 2022 Spring ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference, Newark, New Jersey. 10.18260/1-2--40043
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