The 8th Grade Project's three pillars are all evaluated differently. Nevertheless, successful completion of each of these three pillars of the 8th Grade Project are required for 8th Grade matriculation and entry into 9th Grade at Seabury Hall, as is outlined in the school's Parent-Student Handbook. Below are how the different parts of the project are evaluated.
The 8th Grade Project Research Paper is evaluated based on this rubric: RUBRIC.
This paper is a process and a culmination of many different assignments that students complete during their first semesters as 8th Graders. Those assignments will be submitted as Formative Assignments depending on from which class they have been assigned.
Teachers will evaluate the final draft of the 8th Grade Project Research Paper based on the rubric. Any student who is in the "1" or "2" column of any category of the rubric will have to resubmit their papers until that deficiency is corrected.
Students will know prior to the submission of the paper to which teacher they will be submitting.
The 8th Grade Project and Presentation is evaluated based on this rubric: RUBRIC.
Students will be working with and checking in with their advisors all year in terms of progress on their projects. Students should bring any questions or concerns to that teacher initially.
Based on the rubric and periodical check-ins, both formal and informal, students' Projects and Presentations will be discussed and evaluated immediately following that student's presentation.
If it is determined by the 8th Grade Team of Teachers there is some deficiency in the Project or Presentation, students will have to discuss the deficiency in front of the panel of 8th Grade Teachers
Panel Discussion
The question that students always ask at the very beginning of the year is this: "What happens if I don't pass?" To that, we always respond the same way: "First, that question implies that you aren't going to do your best. Second, that question assumes that your project is sub-par before you even begin your journey. Third, why would you go into a project with the mindset that you are already not passing? That's ridiculous!"
However, sometimes students’ projects fall short of the rubric and therefore, their passing status will depend on them coming in and discussing their projects in front of a panel of teachers. While this will inevitably create stress for the students who have to go through this process, it is meant to honor the scope of the project and the student’s work, and bring closure to a project that may not have met all of the rubric requirements.
Immediately following each day of 8th Grade Project presentations, the panel of teachers will evaluate the projects based on the rubric to ascertain whether the student “Passed” or is in the “Pass-Pending” status. Those students who are in the “Pass-Pending” category will have to participate in this process in order to change the status of their project to “Pass.” Students will know prior to their 8th Grade Panel Discussion what the teachers found deficient from their project so they have time to prepare.
By following this structured approach, the panel can effectively evaluate the student’s 8th Grade Project, provide meaningful feedback, and guide them towards meeting the rubric requirements in future projects and presentations. This process ensures fairness, thoroughness, and support for the student’s learning and growth.