ECTA Senior Capstone

Viewing: Student Guide

Guide pages

Book pp. 14-17

Rubrics

Rubrics are not just for teachers after you submit. Use them before you turn things in so you can fix weak spots early.

Student and teacher checks

Use The Rubric Before The Grade

Rubrics work best when they guide revision before students submit, present, display, or finish the portfolio.

Students

  • Read the matching rubric before the deadline, not only after a grade is posted.
  • Mark one weak criterion and revise the work or evidence before submitting.
  • Use rubric language when explaining how the project shows skill, growth, and readiness.

Teachers and mentors

  • Coach students to name the criterion they are improving before they ask for a final check.
  • Use the same rubric language during proposal, presentation, display, and portfolio conferences.
  • Point students to evidence that proves the score instead of letting the rubric feel like a surprise.
Rubric p. 14

Core Concept Proposal Rubric

Use this before submitting the proposal. The target is not just approval; the target is a proposal that already shows mastery-level thinking.

Criterion CTE Alignment
Developing

Vague connection to program.

Proficient

Clearly identifies CTE skills to be used.

Mastery

Demonstrates advanced technical expertise.

Criterion Titan Tenets
Developing

Mentions a tenet.

Proficient

Explains how project embodies a tenet.

Mastery

Deeply integrates multiple tenets or attributes.

Criterion Feasibility
Developing

Plan is unrealistic for the timeframe.

Proficient

Plan is solid with a basic timeline.

Mastery

Highly detailed plan with source/material list.

Rubric p. 15

Presentation Rubric

Use this before Presentation Day. The printed rubric looks for a clear project overview, a clear program connection, a clear explanation of the final process or product, and prepared presentation skills.

Criterion Project Overview
Exceeds (A Grade)

Student described the topic of the project and explained what they did or made in a clear and relevant manner.

Meets (B)

Student described the topic.

Does Not Meet (needs to present again)

It is not clear what this project was all about.

Criterion Connection To Program
Exceeds (A Grade)

It is clear what program this student is in and how this project connects to the program. The student has a clear connection to both the program and the project work.

Meets (B)

The audience knows what program the student is in. The project has a connection to the program area of study.

Does Not Meet (needs to present again)

The audience has no understanding of this project and no idea how it connects to any East Tech program.

Criterion Final Process Or Product
Exceeds (A Grade)

The audience understood what the student went through and what the outcome of their hard work was. The final product or result has impact.

Meets (B)

The audience understood the process the student went through to complete the project.

Does Not Meet (needs to present again)

The audience does not really know or understand what the student did, or the student did not seem to fully understand the task.

Criterion Presentation Skills
Exceeds (A Grade)

Student was on time, organized, and had rehearsed this presentation. This was an enjoyable experience for the audience.

Meets (B)

Student was on time and organized.

Does Not Meet (needs to present again)

Student was late, the presentation lacked organization, or the student clearly had not prepared.

Rubric p. 16

Celebration Day Display Rubric

Use this while building the public display. The display should communicate quality and make the project understandable to visitors.

Criterion Following Guidelines
Exceeds

Student went above and beyond expectations for this exhibit, as set by the program teacher.

Meets

Display does exactly what was required.

Does Not Meet

Display does not meet minimum expectations from the program teacher.

Criterion Creativity And Quality
Exceeds

This is a high-quality exhibit. It is clear the student took time, paid attention to detail, and showed pride in the accomplishment.

Meets

This is a quality exhibit. It was not thrown together at the last minute, and the student did what was asked.

Does Not Meet

This exhibit lacks quality and looks thrown together, probably at the last minute.

Criterion Clear Representation
Exceeds

It is clear what the project was about. Visitors would not need the student standing next to the exhibit to understand and appreciate it.

Meets

It is clear when viewing the exhibit what the student's project was about.

Does Not Meet

It is unclear what the project was about. Visitors need several clarifying questions to understand it.

Rubric p. 17

Portfolio Rubric

The booklet repeats the portfolio performance table as Rubric 4. Students choose the minimum path for a B-level portfolio or the maximum path for an A-level portfolio.

Criterion Format
Minimum (B)

Submit through the Google Form on the Senior Project Website.

Maximum (A)

Create a professional physical folder for Economics review and end-of-cycle review.

Student Tip

Use the official Google Form link from your class directions, then keep a copy or screenshot of your submission confirmation.

Criterion Branding
Minimum (B)

No personal brand title page required.

Maximum (A)

Include a title page featuring personal brand identity.

Student Tip

Keep personal branding professional: your name, program, project title, clean colors, readable type, and a short professional tagline.

Criterion Professionalism
Minimum (B)

Submit a standard resume with CTE highlights through the Google Form.

Maximum (A)

Include an enhanced resume and a letter of recommendation from an adult.

Student Tip

Translate project work into resume language by naming skills, tools, leadership, service, certifications, and measurable results.

Criterion Visuals
Minimum (B)

No visuals required.

Maximum (A)

Include photos of the project process and a copy of the presentation.

Student Tip

Capture evidence during every phase, not only at the end. Progress photos and drafts make the final portfolio easier.

Criterion Reflections
Minimum (B)

Submit project, Tenet, and Portrait of a Titan reflections through the Google Form.

Maximum (A)

Include all reflections plus a best work sample from high school.

Student Tip

Push past summary. Explain what changed, what evidence proves it, and how the project connects to life after graduation.

Criterion Gratitude
Minimum (B)

Submit a copy of the formal thank-you letter through the Google Form.

Maximum (A)

Include a copy of the formal thank-you letter in the folder.

Student Tip

The mentor handwritten note is required by the gratitude phase even though the portfolio table focuses on the formal letter copy.