Capstone Binder & Presentation
During their time at Lopez students will compile artifacts demonstrating their proficiency in various learning and life skills into a Capstone binder. They will summarize career interests and educational options, prepare a professional job portfolio, document field experience, make an independent living budget, and reflect on how they have matured. Before graduating students present their binder, summarize their learning, and answer questions before a small panel of adults. This concludes their Capstone graduation requirement.
Binder Instructions
- Select a Type of Binder: Decide whether to produce a physical or digital Capstone binder. Even if you choose a physical binder, you could still include written links to various online artifacts like video clips.
- Set Up a Binder: For a physical one use a clear presentation folder with colored sheets of paper for section dividers. For digital ones we suggest using Weebly which is a free, easy-to-use, web site builder.
- Learn to Use a Digital Tool: If applicable, learn how to use your digital tool of choice by following a tutorial. Weebly Quickstart.
- Organize the Binder: Divide the binder into the similar sections as the Capstone checklist:
- My Future (My Future Plan Summary and Monthly Budget. No need to include the other Independent Living documents)
- Job Readiness (Resume, Recommendations, Cover letter, Resignation letter, Mock interview evaluation)
- Field Experience (Reflection, Photos w/captions, Evaluation)
- 21st Century Skills (Four Cs Reflection, Scholarship essay)
- Other (Certificates)
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- Put relevant documents, artifacts and material in their respective sections. Everything should look professional and well organized. Refer to this physical sample or digital sample.
- Design a Cover: Create an attractive cover with your name, your graduation month and year, and the word, “Capstone.”
- Write a Title/Introduction Page: As the first page of your binder make a simple page with your name in large print and a short paragraph that describes where you are from, how long you have been at Lopez, what your career interest is, and what you did in your field experience.
- Create a Table of Contents: Type a simple list of the items contained in your binder.
- Print Section Dividers: Print this five-page document on colored paper and insert the pages in your binder as section dividers.
- Submit for Approval: Once your binder is complete, check it against the Capstone Binder Rubric. Make adjustments as necessary and then submit it to your field experience teacher for review and signing off on your Capstone checklist.
Presentation Instructions
Beforehand
- Finish the Binder: Complete your Capstone binder in order to present it.
- Type an Introductory Letter: Write an Introduction Letter to Panel Judges. Note: The content of this letter is very similar to the introduction page of your binder.
- Create a Slideshow or Prepare an Alternative Presentation: Prepare a five to six minute oral presentation and be ready to answer questions the judges may ask. When presenting you will stand in front of a panel of three to four adults and a few peers who will also present when it is their turn. Support your speaking with a visual slideshow or other presentation of your key points. It will probably take 10-15 slides and should include the following at a minimum:
Your name
A little about you and the type of person you are
Your career interest
A summary of your fieldwork with photos and lessons learned from it
How you will get trained
How you will finance your training
A few examples of your proficiency in 21st century skills including how those skills will help in your career
At least one lesson learned from the Capstone experience.
Note: When designing the slideshow only include bullet points of keywords and phrases. Do not write paragraphs of text. Also use contrasting colors, type with a minimum font size of 28 pts. and include complementary graphics.
- Evaluate: Check your presentation against the Capstone Presentation Rubric. Make adjustments as necessary.
- Practice and Revise: Rehearse your presentation with two different teachers and make improvements as needed.
- Schedule a Presentation: Once all items on your checklist required to present are complete contact whomever is coordinating the presentations to schedule a Capstone presentation. Give the coordinator a signed copy of your Introduction Letter to Panel Judges so the judges will have a chance to read it prior to your presentation.
- Upload Artifacts: Once your presentation is complete export it from Google Slides as a PowerPoint file using File->Download As. Then upload the PowerPoint slideshow and your field photos to Lopez. The field photos should be uploaded as individual files. Do not put them in a Google doc. See the Capstone FAQ for complete instructions.
- Present: In order to present you need all your other checklist items completed, except for community service. On your presentation day follow the tips below to do your best.
At the Presentation
- Arrive prepared and on time. Bring your Capstone binder and any other presentation support materials.
- Wear appropriate clothing like you did for your mock interview.
- Greet each judge with a firm handshake and make eye contact.
- Set up to present. (Someone will be available to help you if needed).
- Be confident and positive. Speak clearly.
- After you present be prepared to answer a few questions from your audience. Then thank the judges for their time.
- The panel will immediately evaluate your presentation using this form and give you feedback.
- Receive a certificate of Capstone completion.
- Relax. Celebrate. Enjoy the moment with peers who are completing Capstone with you.
Note: After finishing Capstone copy any important documents you have from your school district Google Drive to a personal Google Drive because your account will be deleted after you graduate.
