Identify and Review Successful ModelsDescription
Many successful examples of exhibitions and graduation portfolios exist within our state, region, and nation. Most schools or organizations with successful exhibition or graduation portfolio systems have websites that contain examples, handbooks, and materials that can be reviewed and revised to meet specific state and local criteria.
Things to Consider
A number of excellent resources are available in Rhode Island. Several Rhode Island high schools have received funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant to serve as pilot sites for exhibitions. In addition, several Rhode Island districts have experience with the professional development tools provided by The Senior Project, a product of the East Bay Educational Collaborative. The Rhode Island Skills Commission provides professional development for schools that require students to complete Rhode Island Skills Commission projects as part of the requirement for a Certificate of Initial Mastery.
Tools
Rhode Island Professional Development Standards
These are the Rhode Island professional development standards and should be reviewed when you are designing professional development activities. They should also be considered when you review other models or are contracting professional agencies to provide professional development for your school.
The Official Senior Project Site
The Senior Project is a nationally recognized program for designing and implementing senior projects (one type of exhibition.) This model was used by Barrington and North Providence, and continues to be used in all of the professional development provided by the East Bay Collaborative and SORICO for senior projects. Visit 
http://www.seniorproject.net for current information on The
Senior Project and the professional development they offer.
Capstone Project Manual
The Capstone Project Manual was developed by the Rhode Island Skills Commission. It represents one possible way of to implementing exhibitions. The Capstone Project Manual explains all of the required elements for completion of a capstone project as part of a Certificate of Initial Mastery—including the proposal worksheet, applied learning standards, the various roles and responsibilities, and all of the rubrics used in judging student projects and presentations.
