Language arts teacher Bonnie Hill assigns her seniors at Alsea High School in Alsea a demanding year-long project that combines research, writing, mentoring, oral communication and technology. The senior project requires students to research and write a formal paper, often on career-related topics that have included physical therapy, taxidermy, veterinary cardiology or law enforcement. The student is then required to work 15 hours with a mentor outside the school community who is an expert on the student's chosen topic. Finally, the student delivers an oral presentation using audio-visual technology before a committee of five adults. Ms. Hill also requires her students to maintain portfolios of their work to help them track their progress.
1969 University of Oregon, B.A.
