Your proposal explains what you will do, the CTE skill it proves, and why the plan is realistic.
Book p. 4, 14 / September
Phase 1: Kickoff
Turn a rough idea into a Core Concept Proposal that adults can understand and approve.
Today Plan
- Do today
- Draft the Core Concept Proposal in plain language before trying to make it perfect.
- Stop when
- Your proposal says what you will do, which CTE skill it proves, and why the plan can actually happen.
- Ignore for now
- Do not build slides, a display, or a final portfolio before the idea is approved.
Do This First
- Choose individual or group path after program teacher confirmation.
- Draft the Core Concept Proposal before asking for final approval.
- Use the proposal rubric before submitting so the plan aims for mastery.
Your Goal
By the end of September, your proposal should clearly explain what you are doing, how it connects to your CTE program, how it embodies Titan Tenets, and why it is feasible.
Your proposal includes specific materials, timeline details, Titan connections, and teacher feedback.
Your plan shows advanced program skill, a clear audience or purpose, and a thoughtful revision path.
What To Turn In Or Save
- Submitted Core Concept Proposal.
- Teacher feedback or approval notes.
- Material/source list.
- Basic project timeline.
- Rubric self-check showing CTE alignment, Titan Tenets, and feasibility.
Files For This Step
Examples
Weak proposal sentence
I am going to make a website about sports. This does not explain audience, technical skill, feasibility, or program connection.
Stronger proposal sentence
I will design a mobile-friendly website that helps student athletes track practice, nutrition goals, and highlight videos, using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and user feedback from three athletes.
Feasibility example
September: proposal. October: wireframes and interviews. November: first working version. December: test and revise. January: final features. February: presentation outline.
Need Help?
If your brain is yelling that this is too much, do not read the whole page. Answer these three questions first.
- What phase am I in? Phase 1: Kickoff.
- What evidence do I already have: notes, photo, screenshot, draft, outline, feedback, or finished work?
- What is the next thing I need an adult to approve, answer, or see?
Next tiny move
Use this sentence: 'I will create or complete ___ for ___ so that ___, using the CTE skills of ___.'
Use this sentence: 'I will create or complete ___ for ___ so that ___, using the CTE skills of ___.'
Have a peer read your proposal and underline any sentence that is still vague.
Add detail about how you will test, revise, document, or measure the quality of your work.
Open Only If You Need More
These panels are here for confusion, revision, or stronger work. You do not need to open them just because they exist.
Full Step-By-Step
- Name the project in plain language. If a ninth grader could not understand the title, simplify it.
- Write a one-paragraph project overview that says what you will make, do, solve, research, design, demonstrate, or improve.
- Identify the CTE skills the project will show. Use program language when possible, such as design process, patient care, coding, culinary technique, construction safety, business planning, or media production.
- Explain the Titan Tenet or Portrait of a Titan attribute the project will require. Do not just name the trait; say what action will prove it.
- Build a realistic timeline. Include proposal, planning, materials, production, mentor meeting, presentation outline, presentation day, celebration display, gratitude, and portfolio.
- List materials, sources, people, spaces, or tools you need. The proposal rubric treats a source/material list as part of mastery.
- Get approval first from the senior program teacher and finally from Mrs. Rawson.
Learning Targets
- I can turn a rough idea into a clear Core Concept Proposal.
- I can explain the CTE skill, Titan connection, materials, and timeline for my project.
- I can revise my plan using teacher feedback before final approval.
Ready Check
- A reader can tell what I will make, do, solve, research, design, demonstrate, or improve.
- My proposal names the exact program skill and the evidence that will prove it.
- My plan includes a realistic timeline and specific materials or sources.
Questions To Ask
- What part of my proposal is still vague?
- Which CTE skill is the strongest evidence of program mastery?
- What would make this project more feasible?
- What should I remove so the project is focused enough?
- What approval step happens after the program teacher signs off?
Strong Work Looks Like
- CTE alignment demonstrates advanced technical expertise.
- Titan Tenets or Portrait attributes are deeply integrated instead of simply mentioned.
- The plan includes a realistic timeline and specific materials or sources.
- The project is ambitious enough to show growth but not so large that completion is unlikely.
Common Mistakes
- Submitting a proposal that only describes an object, event, or topic without explaining the process.
- Using broad claims like 'leadership' or 'hard work' without evidence.
- Leaving approval until the last minute.
- Treating the proposal as paperwork instead of the roadmap for the year.
Key Words
- Core Concept Proposal: the approved plan that launches the project.
- CTE alignment: the clear connection between your project and your program skills.
- Source/material list: the people, tools, supplies, research, or references your project needs.
Adult Roles
- Senior program teacher: checks program fit, scope, group rules, and required components.
- Mrs. Rawson: gives final proposal approval.
- Student: revises the idea until it is clear, connected, and feasible.
Booklet Connection
Page 4 names the Core Concept Proposal and approval path. Page 14 gives the proposal rubric: CTE alignment, Titan Tenets, and feasibility.
Draft Notes
Saved on this device