WHAT’S YOUR PROJECT?

graphic with text Level I, Pitch, Divisionals
graphic with text Level 1, Progress, Regionals
graphic with text Level 2, Present, State Semi-FInals
graphic with text Level 3, Promote, State Finals
graphic with text Level 4, Propel, Champions
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CONSTRUCTING
KNOWLEDGE

WHY PROJECTS?

STLP projects are valuable additions to the classroom curriculum because they promote hands-on, project-based learning that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. By working on real-world problems, students gain practical experience in technology, problem-solving, and leadership, aligning with Kentucky Academic Standards and 21st-century skills. STLP projects require deeper learning, allowing students to engage more meaningfully with content by applying knowledge in authentic, complex situations. With a focus on student ownership and engagement, STLP projects make learning more relevant and empower students to become innovative problem-solvers who can impact their schools and communities.

Project Based Learning is at the core of STLP. One of the largest competition areas is the STLP Project category. Project teams pitch their project ideas locally at Divisional (Level i) and then present their progress at Regionals (Level 1) hoping to advance to STLP State Semi-Finals (Level 2). The best of the best make it to State Finals (Level 3) for the chance to be recognized as a State Champion (Level 4).

This infographic titled “ROAD2RUPP: Mapping Your Route Along the STLP Project Cycle” visually represents the progression of teams through different levels of the STLP (Student Technology Leadership Program) project cycle: • Level i: Pitch (Districts) - Teams generate project ideas, use a Project Planner to guide their work, and pitch their ideas at the district level for feedback. This step helps teams refine goals and prepare for Regionals. • Level 1: Progress (Regionals) - Teams virtually present a detailed project report, outlining their purpose and progress, using rubrics and the 7 Guiding Questions to prepare. • Level 2: Present (State Semi-Finals) - Teams create tech-rich presentations and present their projects to judges during the morning session at the STLP State Championship in Lexington, KY. • Level 3: Promote (State Finals) - Teams engage in conversations with judges to convince them their project is worthy of being a State Champion. Teams are expected to stay for the end-of-day Awards. • Level 4: Propel (Champion/Global) - Top projects from each division advance to represent their school, district, and Kentucky STLP on a global stage at the ISTE Conference. • Reset, Refocus - After completing the cycle, teams reset and refocus, using what they’ve learned to start planning new projects for the next year. The infographic encourages teams to access the “Project Toolkit: Everything You Need!” at the provided link: https://stlp.education.ky.gov/projects

  • Real-world relevance for learning

  • Demonstrations of Success Skills

  • Engages lower achieving students

  • Spotlight innovation and creativity

  • Develop stronger relationships

  • High level student engagement

  • Impact student achievement

  • Strong motivator for daily attendance

  • Perfect for Online/Virtual Learners

  • Build on/extend existing projects

  • Strategy to close achievement gaps

  • Maximize technology investments

  • Gain presentation skills & experience

  • Show tech competency for graduation

  • Model a positive learning culture

MAKE STANDARDS
MEANINGFUL

STLP Project Scoring Guides are aligned with the KY Academic Standards for Technology.
Use these “I Can…” statements to translate rubric standards/indicators into more student-friendly language. Great for discussion.

STLP ISTE Standards poster: Empowered Learner
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Digital Citizen
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Knowledge Constructor
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Innovative Designer
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Computational Thinker
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Creative Communicator
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Global Communicator
STLP ISTE Standards poster: Environment Builder

KEY ELEMENTS OF STLP PROJECTS

Whatever form an STLP Project takes, the most effective ones will utilize these common design elements:

CHALLENGE PROBLEM/QUESTION

Projects are wrapped around a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer and be identified by the students.

SUSTAINABLE EXPLORATION

Projects are an active process which sees students generate new questions and find/use new resources to develop their own solutions.

STUDENT VOICE & CHOICE

Project encourages students to make choices about what they create, and how time is used, with guidance from STLP Coaches.

TEAM REFLECTION

Provide opportunities between STLP events for reflection on design and implementation. Utilize STLP resources as guides.

ADDRESSES STANDARDS

All STLP rubrics (including Level 1-3 Projects) engage the KY Academic Standards for Technology. Discuss these with students throughout.

PRESENTATION EXPERIENCE

STLP Projects are designed for students to demo what they learn by presenting their work. Make opportunities to present abundant.

2024-25 RESOURCES

Project Toolkit, Scoring Guides, Registration & Info Page

Graphic with words: Toolkit
Graphic with words: Toolkit
Graphic with words: Register

Referenced research on PBL and improved academic performance:

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