Presentations of Learning (known as POLs) are a signature practice of DVC. At the end of each semester, students complete a Presentation of Learning (POL) in which they demonstrate their growth over time and mastery of academic content in a formal presentation before a panel of their teachers. POLs are individual student presentations. At the conclusion of the student’s presentation, their teachers ask questions and offer feedback and support for the next steps. Click here for slides containing basic information and example videos of a POL.
One of the expectations for a Presentation of Learning (POL) is that students come in professional dress. At DVC, professional dress is defined as including the following:
- Button-down dress shirt (shirt must be tucked in) or or non-revealing blouse (must cover shoulders); suit jacket (optional)
- Khaki pants or dress pants (no jeans); dress or skirt that touches tops of knees when standing up straight
- Closed-toe dress shoes (no sneakers or excessively high heels)
- Hair should not cover the face
We will be setting up a small “professional dress thrift shop” for any students who may have difficulty securing these items prior to their presentation. We will let you know when the thrift shop is ready for students to browse! If you have professional dress items you’d like to donate, please deliver them to our 3rd floor front office.
POLs begin on Thursday, 12/8 and continue through Thursday, 12/15. Most students will have two presentations. Each presentation will be scheduled on a separate date, so no student is expected to do two presentations on the same date. All information regarding dates and schedules will come from the student’s grade-level teachers. School dismissal for POL days is 1:50pm.
The two most important things you can do to help your student prepare for their POL is (1) assure them that it is ok to make mistakes and (2) have them practice their POL many times to as many people in your household as possible. POLs help students improve their communication and public speaking skills and empower students to take ownership of their learning. We are excited for our students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned this semester!