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Recipient of the Mississippi Public Education Forum's Award for Excellence in Challenging Curriculum
RATIONALE
Better colleges and universities no longer look only at academic records and entrance test scores for entrance requirements. Today's higher education recognizes that straight A's in courses which do not challenge and high entrance test scores do not necessarily mean a student has the background, ability, and more importantly, the self-discipline to do acceptable college-level work. As one university stated in its high school mail out, universities would rather see lower grades in challenging courses, particularly Advanced Placement level, that 100's in marginal courses.
More colleges each year are requiring students to submit portfolios of work and describe independent study projects as part of the criteria for selection. The Distinguished Scholar Program at Oak Grove High School affords the students the opportunity to take challenging courses and complete an independent study project that would satisfy any college admission requirement and aid in gaining entrance to Honors and selective programs.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The independent research project and exhibition are guided by an Oak Grove High School faculty member/advisor and an outside mentor/expert, both in the particular field of study. AP level quality points are awarded for a minimum of 200 hours worth of independent work for a one year project and an additional 150 hours for a two year project.
To verify that the project is worth the quality points that it receives, there are several guidelines that must be followed:
- A log/ journal will be kept documenting the time spent and reviewed by the advisor
- Review of literature and final results papers will be written.
- For those choosing a project in the fine arts area, a recital or showing will be held.
- For other areas, original research will be conducted and the results will displayed at all appropriate science fairs.
- Minimum of four oral presentations with visuals presented before and committee and a least one outside presentation.
- Fine arts project recitals and showings held when applicable.
- Adheres to International Science Fair Rules and Regulations
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum numerical average of 93, unweighted in core courses.
- English, 4 credits of appropriate level
- Science, 4 credits of appropriate level
- Math, 4 credits of appropriate level
- Social Studies, 4 credits of appropriate level
- Foreign Language, 2 credits in the same language
- Research and Technology Study / Field Study sophomore or junior year
- AP courses, 2 credits including AP exam
- Project, directed and approved by the Distinguished Scholar Committee
- Fine Arts projects requires successful completion of at least three courses in that particular field
TWO-YEAR PROJECTS
Rational
- More time for project development
- Competition judges remember from the year before
- Greater opportunities to earn more recognition, rewards, prizes, and scholarships
- Greater opportunities for broader connections with experts in the Scholar's chosen field
Requirements
- Research and Technology Field Study will be taken in the fall of the sophomore year
- Project will consist of a minimum of 200 hours work the first year and a minimum of 150 hours work the second year on one specific problem
"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
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