e-communication
Endorsement Hours
What is an e-Communication endorsement?
The e-Communication endorsement is an extra notation on the transcript of a graduating senior showing that the student went above and beyond their regular class work to complete extra learning experiences, in addition to maintaining a solid GPA.
We encourage all our students to become endorsed!
HOW ARE e-COMMUNICATION 21ST CENTURY ACADEMY ENDORSED STUDENTS RECOGNIZED?
- Students receive a specific notation on their transcript
- Students are identified in the high school graduation program
- Students earn a special red, black, and white honor cord for graduation
- Students who do not endorse but complete all coursework within the Academy are recognized as completers.
- The following endorsements can be attained by students in all academies and will be marked on their transcript as follows:
- e-Communication Academy – Endorsed
- e-Communication Academy Name – Endorsed with Honors
- e-Communication Academy Name – Endorsed with High Honors
WHY SHOULD A STUDENT GET AN ENDORSEMENT?
- The endorsement is a good indication for colleges and employers that the student is dedicated and has a passion for a specific area.
- An endorsement is an honors designation.
- An endorsement recognizes a student for their subject-matter concentration.
- An endorsement is a great self-marketing tool.
- Students who complete endorsement requirements have a professional portfolio of coursework, extension experiences, student professional
- Learning experiences & projects that can be shared with potential colleges, post-secondary institutions & employers.
HOW DOES A STUDENT EARN AN ENDORSEMENT?
All academies have endorsement requirements.
All Academies require an Individual Plan of Study, Academy Coursework, Extension Hours (eHours), GPA, Work-Based Learning/Market Value Asset, and Senior Capstone Presentation
Some specifics related to Extension Hours:
eHours are specific to each academy. They are extended learning opportunities earned outside the regular school day and not tied to a course grade.
- Continuously earned over all 4 high school years
- A minimum of [50] eHours earned each of the 4 years, including senior year
- eHours are tracked by the student and submitted to their academy facilitator for tracking (https://academyendorsement.olatheschools.com)
- Approval for what is accepted as an eHour is determined by the academy facilitator(s)
- A student may begin earning eHours as soon as they are accepted into an academy (2nd semester of 8th grade)
What are the requirements?
Sophomores through seniors (2017-18):
Accumulate 100 hours of work above and beyond assigned class projects — 50 hours during the junior year, and 50 during the senior year.
Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the 4-year e-Communication course sequence, and at least a 2.5 overall GPA.
Present your projects at Senior Show. Parents, staff, and others attend to support you and enjoy your accomplishments.
How do I check my hours?
e-Comm parents and students may see what e-hours have been logged for their endorsement. To log in, please use your user ID (eg. 555abc55) and password to log onto a District computer.
Here is the link:
How do I turn in my hours?
Fill out the form to log your hours for endorsement:
REFERENCES:
Work Based Learning (WBL) experiences:
The purpose of a WBL is to connect skills students are learning in the classroom to authentic, real-world experiences. This helps students connect their school learning with post-secondary and career opportunities. Student WBL experiences take many forms during a student’s 4-year academy experience. This includes various career presentations during school, job shadowing (typically short term), earning industry-standard certifications, practicing skills/knowledge in an authentic learning experience, doing projects for clients, internships, and more. WBL experiences may earn the student a Market Value Asset (MVA) which is part of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.
Senior Capstone Project and Presentation:
To earn an endorsement, all academies require students to complete a Senior Capstone and give a public presentation. Each student’s capstone is individualized. It may consist of a content-specific project and/or a placement with a community business partner (or another facilitator-directed project). Students will be evaluated in their capstone course. Specific instructions and feedback is provided for the presentation.
Market Value Asset (MVA):
Students typically earn a Market Value Asset (MVA) as part of their capstone project. An MVA can be earned in other ways, as well. Please visit the district’s Portrait of a Graduate information page for more information.
Examples of eHours include:
- Leading community presentations
- Academy-related volunteer/community service
- Attending an Academy-related guest speaker session
- Participating in academy-related competitions
- Providing service to the Academy
- Participating in academy events
- Submitting scholarship/award applications
- Participating in post-secondary visit related to the academy
- Facilitator approved
- Participating in an academic conference or a summer internship
- Taking prep classes for post-secondary admittance exams (i.e., ACT Test Prep classes)
- Taking a post-secondary entrance or certification exam (i.e., ACT, SAT, Compass, etc.)
- Participating in Employability Skills Workshops
- Participating in approved Work-Based Learning Experiences outside of school day (Internship, client-based project)
- Presenting the Senior Capstone Project (outside school day)