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Board hears plan to add Senior Gateway capstone as a graduation requirement
Summary
Administrators presented a four‑year Senior Gateway capstone that would become a graduation requirement (policy IKF) for the incoming class of 2029; board members praised the proposal and asked for continued communication and templates for advisers and families.
Lyle Hamill, curriculum administrator, and Walt Pedeg, a gateway committee facilitator, presented the Senior Gateway proposal as a four‑year, student‑driven capstone tied to SAU 16's 'portrait of a graduate.' Hamill said the gateway would expand student‑driven assessment through advisories and culminate in a senior showcase and presentation that could become part of an updated graduation requirement policy (IKF).
"Senior gateway presentations enable students to address the key tenants of our portrait, engaged learning, global citizenship, problem solving, and communication," Hamill said, describing templates, adviser check‑ins and a proposed timeline to phase in the work for incoming freshmen.
Administrators said not all senior English sections currently include the type of capstone work the gateway requires, so the plan shifts time into advisory periods to ensure equitable access. Board members asked about compatibility with AP coursework, teacher support and community engagement; presenters said they will provide training, templates and informational sessions for teachers and families and expect a multi‑year phase‑in with a target of implementing the requirement for the class of 2029 after the policy review process.
No formal vote was recorded; the board expressed general support and directed staff to continue developing materials and communications for families.
