projectchange

2 PROJECT CHANGE
FOUNDER S MESSAGE
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FOUNDERS MESSAGE

As a high school teacher, I have quickly realized that my students shatter every mischaracterized
description about them. They are by no means shallow or apathetic. In reality, they have hearts
and ambitions naturally disposed towards making a positive impact in their community. They
hold on to hope against all odds, and own vibrant curiosities undergirded by a desire to see
this world transformed for the better. Unfortunately, many of them have not been given the
opportunity to blend rigorous critical thinking, and their passion for progress in a meaningful
venture. That is why I developed Project Change.
This proposal contains a complete description of Project Change and its initiatives
accompanied by practical ways for community members to get involved. I know my students
are capable of achieving at the highest levels if given due expectations, tailored instruction,
and comprehensive assistance. I need your help to provide this necessary support. If you have
any questions, feel free to contact me via e-mail at mark@projectchangehawaii.org or over
the phone at 808-386-0266. Thank you so much for partnering with me in providing a quality
education for my students. Together we can convince them that they have what it takes to
change the world.
Sincerely
Mark McDonald
4 PROJECT CHANGE
PROJECT CHANGE
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CONVINCING STUDENTS
THEY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES
TO CHANGE THE WORLD.
6 PROJECT CHANGE
PROJECT CHANGE
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CONTENTS
10. OVERVIEW
14. THE NEED
18. OUR APPROACH
20. Holo I Mua Forums
22. Unearth
23. Project Change
Advisory Network
24. Design Initiative
26. Project Change Summit
30. ACCOUNTABILITY
34. GROWTH PLAN
35. CONTACT INFORMATION
8 PROJECT CHANGE
EDUCATION IS WHAT REMAINS
AFTER ONE HAS FORGOTTEN
WHAT ONE HAS LEARNED IN
SCHOOL.
- ALBERT EINSTEIN

PROJECT CHANGE
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10 PROJECT CHANGE
OVERVIEW: WHAT IS PROJECT CHANGE?

Project Change is the culminating project for Mr. McDonalds English III class at Aiea High
School. Croups ol lour or lve spend lhe enlire year developing a viable and crealive solulion
to a self-chosen global/national/ or local issue. These groups engage the beginning process
ol slarling lheir own businesses or nonprolls. This enlails research, crealive brainslorning,
slralegizing, narkeling, prolessional wriling, and connunicalion relnenenl.
Those wilh lhe besl lnal proposals will be chosen lo parlicipale in lhe Projecl Change Sunnil.
Judged by a panel of local business leaders, educators, and politicians, the winners of the
Project Change Summit will be awarded monetary funds to enact their proposals during their
senior year.
Students time will spent according to the following progression:
PLAN.
DREAM.
PORTFOLIO
BUSINESS
PLAN
MARKETING
CAMPAIGN
SPEECH
DEVELOPMENT
EXECUTE.
UNEARTH PITCH SUMMIT
PROPOSAL
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OVERVIEW

The Project Change curriculum encompasses all of the benchmarks and standards required by
the Hawaii Department of Education for English III. Through a curriculum that cultivates the
disposition necessary for success in the 21st centurycollaborative, familiar with ever-evolving
lechnology, reHeclive, adaplable, and crealive-Projecl Change ains lo aid in sludenls idenlily
developnenl and lo inslill hope and ellcacy, all lhe while encouraging sludenls lo look beyond
themselves.
In order to provide meaningful experiences and individualized support, Project Change includes
lve specilc inilialives:
Holo I Mua Forums
Design Initiative
Unearth Coffeehouse
Final Summit
Advisory Network
12 PROJECT CHANGE
EDUCATION IS NOT FILLING
A PAIL BUT THE LIGHTING
OF A FIRE.
- WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

PROJECT CHANGE
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14 PROJECT CHANGE
THE NEED

Project Change has been created believing that the old systems of teaching have been
inherited by a generation that lives in a world years beyond those traditions. Amidst a system
of ineffective methods, Project Change aims to challenge students to engage a learning that
is their own and has particular relevance to them and the larger world they are moving into
taking hold ofand moving forward.
Below are collected statistics displaying the current state of public education.
NATION:
Every year, approximately 1.2 million
studentsthats 7,000 every school
daydo not graduate from high
school on time. Nationwide, only
about 70% of students earn their
high school diplomas.
Approximately 65% of 12th graders
read below grade level.
The current U.S. graduation rate has
fallen to 18th of 23 industrialized
countries.
The lwenlylve lasleslgrowing
professions have literacy demands
that are far greater than average,
while the fastest-declining
professions have lower-than-average
literacy demands.
About 40% of employers indicate
lhey are dissalisled wilh high
school graduates ability to read and
understand complicated materials,
think analytically, and solve real-
world problems.
70% of mothers on welfare have
reading skills in the lowest two
prolciency levels.
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THE NEED
HAWAII
More than 6,200 students did not
graduate from Hawaiis high schools
in 2009; the lost lifetime earnings
in Hawaii for that class of dropouts
alone total more than $1.6 billion.
If Hawaiis high schools graduated
all of their students ready for
college, the state would save
almost $13.7 million a year in
community college remediation
costs and lost earnings.
In 2007, 27% of the nations 8th
graders were below grade level
reading. For Hawaii, 38% of 8th
graders were below grade level.
Only 19% of Hawaiis 8th graders
were considered prolcienl and !'
was considered advanced.
In 2002, 11 of 41 Hawaiis High
schools were considered dropout
factories. These are schools in
which 60% of incoming freshman
are no longer enrolled at the time of
their senior year. That was 16,280
students, 31% of the total students.
While we at our Project Change care immensely about the academic status of our students,
our larger concern is the development of students as people. Beyond grades, statistics, and
performance metrics, we recognize that our students are people with the potential to learn,
achieve, and live lulllled lives.
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MY IDEA OF EDUCATION IS TO
UNSETTLE THE MINDS OF THE
YOUNG AND INFLAME THEIR
INTELLECTS.
- ROBERT MAYNARD HUTCHINS

PROJECT CHANGE
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18 PROJECT CHANGE
OUR APPROACH

GOAL: Project Change seeks to convince students that they have what it takes to change the world.
OBJECTIVE 1
Provide a curriculum that encompasses the common core standards for 11th grade English and
the Hawaii Core Content Standards for English III.
OBJECTIVE 2
Provide a curriculum that seriously encompasses the 6 General Learner Outcomes (GLOs) as
directed by the Hawaii Department of Education:
Self-directed Learner (The ability to be responsible for ones own learning)
Community Contributor (The understanding that it is essential for human beings to work
together)
Complex Thinker (The ability to demonstrate critical thinking and
problem solving)
Quality Producer (The ability to recognize and produce quality performance and quality
products)
Effective Communicator (The ability to communicate effectively)
Effective and Ethical User of Technology (The ability to use a variety of technologies
effectively and ethically)
OBJECTIVE 3
Provide memorable experiences for studentsexperiences they can be proud of, where their
voices are validaled and heard, lheir ideas are allrned and lueled, and lheir work is lruly adnired.
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OUR APPROACH
OBJECTIVE 4
Provide the students with mentors who respect their individual identity, aid their studies, and
encourage them in their goals and dreams.
OBJECTIVE 5
Highlight the relevance of English skills to the real world.
OBJECTIVE 6
Provide students a culture where they can develop their emotional, cultural, and spiritual identities.
Our big goal and lve objeclives are direclly acconplished via lve classroon inilialives:
I. Holo I Mua Forums
II. Design Initiative
III. Unearth Coffeehouse
IV. Final Summit
V. Advisory Network
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I. HOLO I MUA FORUMS: MOVING FORWARD.

DESCRIPTION
The Holo I Mua (Progress) Forums are weekly held discussions that allow the active participants of
Project Change to interact with and hear the experiences of accomplished, local leaders. Schools
often make little effort to display the translation of applicable skills learned in the classroom toward
life after graduation. Holo I Mua Forums hope to highlight the practical importance of high school
sludies and also slrive lo losler sellellcacy anongsl Projecl Change sludenls. Video loolage ol lhe
Holo I Mua Forums will be promptly posted on the Project Change website.
PURPOSE
To make clear to students the connection between skills learned in the classroom and
the application of those skills to the outside world.
To connecl sludenls lo relevanl, local leaders in lheir inleresled lelds.
Exposing students to a diverse group of professions and pursuits.
Fulllls objeclives !, 3, 4, 5
LOCATION
Aiea High School
98-1276 Ulune Street
Aiea, HI 96701-3598
TIMETABLE
February 2, 2011-
February 9, 2011- Luitenant Governor Brian Schatz
February 16, 2011- Dr. Patricia Espiritu-Halagao
February 23, 2011-
March 2, 2011-
March 9, 2011-
March 16, 2011-
March 23, 2011-
March 30, 2011-
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OUR APPROACH
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
We are constantly looking for inspiring, invested speakers. If youd like to recommend a speaker
please contact Micah Hillis.
We are also collecting sponsors for the forums. Sponsors will receive name mention, name on
printed promotional materials, and be listed on www.projectchangehawaii.org.
22 PROJECT CHANGE
II. UNEARTH: EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO UNEARTH THEIR VOICES
AND OWN THEIR PASSIONS.
Description
Unearlh is a nighl llled wilh uninhibiled expression. Hosled by a locally owned collee shop,
Fresh Caf, students are encouraged to take to the stage and creatively portray their thoughts
on lhe lough issues lheyve sel lo lackle. This benell concerl will be preceded by a lew weeks
of guest educators that will instruct on the conventions of poetry and art. All proceeds earned
will go directly back into students education.
PURPOSE
Provide students a space for creative expression.
Raise money /awareness for Project Change.
Academic- teach the skills of creative writing and expression.
Fulllls objeclives 2, 3, 5, 6
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Currently we are looking still looking for:
Sponsor Venue Fees
Leis for special guests
Banner
Printed promotional material
Outdoor staging
Sound Equipment
Lighting
Guest Educators
Security
Audio/Visual Technician
Set-up/Tear Down Helper
Sponsors
WHEN/WHERE
Saturday March 5, 2010
Fresh Caf
831 Queen St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
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OUR APPROACH
III. PROJECT CHANGE ADVISORY NETWORK: CONNECTING MINDS..

EXPLANATION
Student groups will work with bright and experienced individuals from the community who
will encourage their processes and ensure that students are on the right track, asking the right
queslions, and lulllling lheir polenlial. The idea al lhis poinl is lor sludenls lo be exiling lhe
dreaming and planning phase and beginning the execution phase. Advisors will be instrumental for
helping navigate students through the more concrete, particular elements of this phase.
PURPOSE
Connect students with a role model.
Provide individualized instruction.
Positive validation/ encouragement.
Someone to facilitate the process.
Students to learn and practice goal setting.
Impart practical skills.
Fulllls objeclives 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
We are looking for people from the community to serve as advisors for student groups.
24 PROJECT CHANGE
IV. DESIGN INITIATIVE: CREATIVITY. EXPRESSION. EXCELLENCE.

EXPLANATION
Design and its processes both teach and motivate. Well designed, quality, and professional materials
speak excellence. Project Change design initiativesfrom printed materials to the class website to
classroom dcorinspire student creativity and holds students to an expectation of excellence.
Printed Materials
Fron when sludenls are handed lheir syllabus on lhe lrsl day, Projecl Change wanls sludenls
to realize that they are a part of a serious enterprisetheir education. With the help of graphic
designers, the syllabus, all event advertising, and classroom worksheets are professional, clean, and
attractive.
Class Website
Twenlylrsl cenlury sludenls are inherenlly lechnology prone. A class websile nakes sense lor
interacting with those intuitions and for continually preparing students to thrive in a technology
driven culture. Not only is the class website well organized and aesthetically appealing, it is
lunclional. l conlains places lor subnilling assignnenls, lnding inporlanl docunenls, walching
relevant videos, communicating and expressing themselves.
Classroom Decor
Project Change desires to shatter the traditional classroom paradigm. The classroom is a place to
inspire creativity and to get things done. Project Change sees the classroom as a collaborative work
shop where tables are meant to be moved around, where theres no front of the room, and where
ideas can begin. From lighting to color to furniture, the Project Change classroom-lab will employ a
variety of design mediums to foster the culture of creativity, problem-solving, and professionalism
Project Change seeks to establish.
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OUR APPROACH
PURPOSE
To encourage the creativity of each student, building creative capital.
To provide students an example and expectation of excellence.
To foster the conditions under which collaboration, innovation, and change are possible.
Fulllls objeclives !, 3, 5, 6
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
We are looking for people with creative skills to collaborate, design, and build with.
We are seeking sponsors for all events using printed materials.
Financial contributions and materials donations are very helpful for covering the costs of the
classroom renovation.
26 PROJECT CHANGE
V. PROJECT CHANGE SUMMIT

EXPLANATION
The Summit gathers Project Changes premier student teams in competition for the grand prize--
monetary funds to enact their proposals in the upcoming year. Judged by a panel of distinguished
community leaders, and in front of parents, peers, and educators, the chosen Project Change
groups must pitch the proposals they have been working on all year.
PURPOSE
To give Project Change groups greater incentive to create excellent projects.
To provide students a professional experience where they can prove their hard work.
To give the projects with the greatest potential opportunity to be realized.
To award the group with the best project-proposal funds to enact their project.
TIMELINE
May 21, 2011
5:00pm-7:30pm
Total Time: 2 hours and 22 minutes (133 minutes)
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OUR APPROACH
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Volunteers
Setup
Takedown
Greeters/Ushers
Audio/ Visual Technician
Donations
Venue (150 attendees)
Chairs (150 attendees)
Tables
Printed Programs
Printed Banner
Cash Grand Prize
Miscellaneous Prizes
Decorations
Light refreshments
Members to sit on the panel
28 PROJECT CHANGE
IF YOU DONT LIKE SOMETHING
CHANGE IT; IF YOU CANT
CHANGE IT, CHANGE THE WAY
YOU THINK ABOUT IT.
- MARY ENGELBREIT

PROJECT CHANGE
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30 PROJECT CHANGE
ACCOUNTABILITY

The success ol Projecl Changes cenlral curriculun and ils lve inilialives will be delernined
according to the following measures.
1. PROJECT BASED CURRICULUM
Class average will be 80% according to a standards based rubric.
Student assessment will be product based (including a portfolio, website,
etc.), demonstrating their mastery of the application of skills.
2. HOLO I MUA (PROGRESS) FORUM
8 lunch forums will be held featuring notable community members answering student
generated questions.
The lunch loruns will be llned and posled on lhe projecl change websile.
3. DESIGN INITIATIVE
All classroom documents will be professionally designed and displayed on project
change website.
The Project Change website will be constantly updated to meet excellent design
expectations.
Classroom B-11 will be redesigned to cultivate creativity and productivity.
4. UNEARTH
The event will be held on February 5th at a location to be determined.
The event will feature the expressive work of all Project Change students.
Students will perform poetry, music, speeches, dances, etc. at the event.
5. PROJECT CHANGE______SUMMIT
The event will be held on DATE at VENUE.
The evenl will hosl a panel ol Hawaiis inHuenlial business leaders.
Sludenls will presenl lheir relned prolessional proposals lo lhis panel.
The evenl will be llned and posled on lhe projecl change websile.
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ACCOUNTABILITY
6. PROJECT CHANGE ADVISORY NETWORK
Project Change will recruit 15 college students as advisors/mentors for the students
proposals.
Each Project Change group will have a minimum of 3 meetings with their assigned advisor.
Advisors will provide a detailed feedback form to each student. These forms will be
available for review.
32 PROJECT CHANGE
AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
ISNT WORTH A GREAT DEAL
IF IT TEACHES YOUNG PEOPLE
HOW TO MAKE A LIVING BUT
DOESNT TEACH THEM HOW
TO MAKE A LIFE.
- AUTHOR UNKNOWN

PROJECT CHANGE
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34 PROJECT CHANGE
GROWTH PLAN

We have big dreams for Hawaiis public education. It is our hope that a successful implementation
of Project Change with the students of Aiea High School will serve as a model for planting project
based curriculums in other schools of Hawaii, and eventually other districts across the U.S. Because
of its focus on real world relevance, Project Change naturally lends itself to interdisciplinary
studies and will hopefully soon encompass more than just the English standards required. Project
Change has the capability to act as a reorganization of Hawaiis current Senior Project capstone--
encompassing all of the GLOs, requiring higher levels of technology integration, and nurturing more
peer collaboration. Until then, Project Change will exist as an open-faced organization, thereby
welcoming constant innovation and releasing its resources free to other teachers. For detailed
information on our future growth plans, please contact Mark McDonald.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION

Project Change Hawaii
Aiea High School (Room B-11)
98-1276 Ulune Street
Aiea, HI 96701-3598
Mark McDonald
Founder/High School Teacher
(808)-386-0266
mark@projectchangehawaii.org

Diana Kanekoa
Development Manager
(808)-728-0910
Diana@projectchangehawaii.org



Micah Hillis
Program Director
(714)-329-0012
micah@projectchangehawaii.org
Paul Minagawa
Artistic Director
(626)-404-6601
paul@projectchangehawaii.org
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