Proficiency: the candidate has a discussion with an outside examiner about a work of fiction selected from our literature list (substitute selections may be proposed). This discussion covers, for example, issues raised by the novel, the structure of the novel, the perspective of the author and comparisons with other works of fiction. The student will choose a mentor and work with him/her to select a novel and prepare for the proficiency discussion.

In order to prepare for the discussion, the student must select several issues the novel raises. The student must then find a couple of passages (from the novel) that s/he believes to be significant in shedding light on each of the issues identified. The student is responsible for opening the discussion with these passages.

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Proficiency:
The candidate must complete two assignments for the proficiency. These may be completed in any order.

1.   Logic Proof: students must arrive at a solution to a logical puzzle from limited given information. They must then prove in an ordered, efficient and comprehensive manner that this is the only solution to the puzzle.
2.   Application: the candidate must complete a math assignment, problem or project. The student will choose which proficiency area s/he would like to attempt. This work may be done in conjunction with passing an advanced math class- Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics , Puzzles or Polygraph. Alternatively, with the permission of the coordinator, it may be an application to work done in a non-math class involving advanced mathematics. Some examples include a statistical analysis of a science experiment, a social science mathematical analysis, or a computer program that addresses a complex problem.

This work must demonstrate the student’s ability to: 1.   apply general concepts and 2.   indicate to an examiner an in-depth knowledge of the concepts used.

Deadlines will be scheduled by the mentor so that adequate time is allowed for completion, revision and evaluation of the proficiency before the end of the school year.

Completed proficiencies will be reviewed by an outside evaluator.

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Proficiency: the candidate designs and conducts an experiment. When the experiment is completed, the student submits a satisfactory analytic lab report which must be defended before a committee of science and math teachers.

To satisfy the requirements of the proficiency, the student must progress through the following steps which begin in the “hands on” science class where the student wants to start the proficiency:
1.   Choose a mentor.
2.   Devise a research question.
3.   Submit a satisfactory formal proposal that must include a review of the scientific literature, formulation of hypotheses, and a clearly detailed procedure that tests these hypotheses.
4.   Discuss the proposal with the mentor and an outside science evaluator.
5.   Obtain mentor’s approval to proceed with the proficiency.
6.   Set up and conduct the experiment.
7.   Collect all of the required data.
8.   Organize the data into appropriate tables and graphs.
9.   Write a satisfactory analytic paper based on the experimental results.
10.   Satisfactorily revise the paper according to the mentor’s recommendations.

The mentor will guide the student throughout this process and will determine when the student may proceed to each subsequent step of the proficiency.

When the mentor gives final approval following step 10, the student will be ready to defend the paper before a committee of science and math teachers. During the defense the student must demonstrate proficiency in all phases of the experiment. The committee will make recommendations for a final revision of the paper. When the mentor approves these final revisions, the student is deemed proficient. An outside science evaluator will review the findings of all the proficiency papers at the end of the semester.

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Proficiency: the candidate writes a proficient social studies paper. The paper must present a clear argument backed up by evidence that addresses a debatable question. The paper must present background for the issue being discussed (in other words, the student must have read a considerable amount on the topic), analyze conflicting sources and demonstrate solid organizational and writing skills. In addition to presenting a clear argument, the paper must also explain why opposing arguments are less valid. When the paper has been approved by the mentor, it will be presented to a small committee for a final review.

Before beginning the proficiency and after having completed the prerequisites, the student must meet with his/her social studies mentor to define an appropriate question and to discuss the tasks to be undertaken.

The mentor will set draft deadlines, as appropriate, which must be observed. The final paper must be submitted before classes end for the semester.

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