POLs- Everything you ever wanted to know!

POLs Begin Today, Wed. December 16th and will run through Friday, December 18th!

POLs are a formal end of semester presentation, where students are asked to reflect on their learning from the first semester, and create some goals for the second semester. The skills we focus on for this are formal presentation skills, deep and authentic reflection, and using evidence to support their claims.

The dress standards are the same as Exhibition.

Boys: Dress pants (no jeans!), dress shoes (no sneakers!), button up shirt with collar and tie. Suit jackets are strongly encouraged if they have them.

Girls: Slacks with a button up shirt or nice sweater, appropriate skirt or dress, dress shoes. For girls, open toed shoes are okay if they're willing to brave the cold.

With POLs, we work on a mastery based system. Students will repeat the POL until they pass. The vast majority of students pass on either their first or second round. If a student requires more support to pass, teachers will set up a schedule with them to meet next semester and work intensively on their presentation skills before having them redo a third time.

Scoring Guide for 9th Grade Presentation of Learning

1. Timing: 10 minutes for formal presentation, 5 minute panel follow-up questions, 5 minute

deliberation and scoring

2. Sequence:

· Formal Presentation-
i. Student introduces themselves to the panel, and uses an

anecdote or hook to get the panel’s attention.
ii. Student must present on two strengths and two goals. The

strengths and goals will be chosen from our Habits of Mind,

and the list of 21st Century Survival Skills (see lists below).
iii. Student then answers two reflective questions (see questions

below).
iv. For each section, students must show evidence, either in hand or

on their DP.
v. At some point in the presentation, students must talk about

each of their four classes.

· Panel Follow-Up Questions- Panelists ask questions of the presenter.

· Deliberation and Scoring- Student leaves the room, and panelists deliberate.
____________________________________________________________

Habits of Mind and Survival Skills

The Seven Survival Skills for the 21st Century

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
2. Collaboration
3. Adaptability
4. Initiative
5. Effective Communication
6. Independent Research and Learning
7. Curiosity and Imagination

AHS Habits of Mind

1. Perspective
2. Advocacy
3. Perseverance
4. Evidence
5. Refinement

Reflective Questions

1. How is the work that you are doing here relevant to you personally or to your larger goals?
How have your experiences at AHS this year changed the way you see the world?

POL Scoring Rubric

PRE-POL CHECKLIST
Be dressed in professional attire from head to toe
Y
N
Have note cards of outline
Y
N
Have a working and updated digital portfolio
Y
N

SCORING GUIDELINES-
Must score 24 to pass. If you receive a 1 in any category, you will automatically have to redo your POL.
4
3
2
1
Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
Approaches Standard
Below Standard

PRESENTATION SKILLS CHECKLIST
Professionalism: Student uses professional verbal language and professional body language during the POL.

Eye Contact: The student makes eye contact with all panelists, and uses note cards appropriately.

Vocal Delivery: The student’s delivery is strong, energetic, and easily understood.


PRESENTATION RUBRIC
Scoring Category Performance Criteria Score (1-4)

Introduction

Student provides professional introduction, and draws audience in with an engaging hook/anecdote that sets the tone and themes for the presentation.

Strength

Student has an in-depth explanation of their strength that is supported by evidence. Students must show their evidence to the panel, either in hand or on their DP, and explain the significance of that evidence. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.

Goal

Student has an in-depth explanation of an area where they need to improve that is supported by evidence, either in hand or on their DP. Student presents a solid and specific action plan to improve in this area next semester. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.

Question 1

Student responds to all aspects of the question, and provides a well-thought out answer. Student uses strong evidence to support their answer. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.


Question 2

Student responds to all aspects of the question, and provides a well-thought out answer. Student uses strong evidence to support their answer. Student demonstrates self-awareness, honesty, and deep reflection.


Final Check

All four classes have been discussed in the presentation.

YES NO