The Senior Capstone Cohort (CAPS) at Andover High School is an advanced inquiry-based research seminar. As a participant in this seminar, I will pursue an essential question through quantitative and qualitative research methods along with a substantial field-based inquiry project. CAPS offers students a chance to create an independent academic experience with a focus on extensive authentic examination.
This elective Capstone model provides seniors with a critical learning experience and an opportunity for intellectual problem solving, social change, and community service. The focus of CAPS is to place students in the position of the “expert” in an area of study or in a career setting of their own choosing. CAPS projects require students to develop competency in gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data. For seniors, it is an opportunity to interweave learning in all these areas and to do so “in real time, in an unpredictable, complex, real-world environment.” For my research topic, I will be exploring the racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related deaths among women in the United States.
Through participation in CAPS, I can take part in the opportunity to merge my various interests, curiosities, and passions with my academic and intellectual life which will take shape through Original Field Research, a year-long dissertation-style Inquiry Paper, a web-based Project Portfolio, and a TED-style Community Presentation that communicates the culmination of the experience. I will also receive 1 credit of English.
For questions or additional information, please contact Rebecca D’Alise, APS Capstone Coordinator, at rdalise@k12.andoverma.us.