Frequently Asked Questions:

Will this count for my Senior Tech Lab requirement

 No. This is strictly a social studies elective. There is an option to topically connect you policy internship with your senior research project, however that is not a requirement. Alternatively, you may use this experience to explore another science policy area of interest different from your senior research project.

 Are there any pre-requisites?

 The only requirement is that you must be a senior to take this course.

 What do we do when we’re in class at TJ?

 The time in class at TJ will be spent:

• Learning about the intersection of science and public policy.
• Learning about policy methods and analysis through case study analysis and the study of policy theories.
• Working on the course’s final project (research paper and presentation)
• Preparing for the internship experience (before), analyzing internship experiences (during), and processing the internship experience (after)

 Will I be able to do 8^th period or after-school activities?

 8^th period:  During the duration of the internship, you will be missing 8^th period. If you do this program, you will be dedicating ~25% of your entire senior year 8^th period schedule to doing an internship. Depending on your 8^th period commitments, this may impact whether or not you want to take the course in the fall or spring semester.

 After-school activities:  During the duration of the internship, you will be busy at the internship until 5 or 6pm on Wednesday and Fridays. Depending on your after-school commitments, this may impact whether or not you want to take the course in the fall or spring semester.

 Logistically, can I do this program and Mentorship?

 Yes. Mentorship students may take this course in the spring semester. Tech Lab students may take this course in the fall or spring semester.

 Do I have to set up my own internship?

 No. Ms. Schoeplein will work with you on finding and placing you in an internship.

 How do I physically get to my internship?

 Some students will provide their own transportation to the Metro or to the internship location. Ms. Schoeplein also hopes to arrange with PTSA volunteers an “internship shuttle” to sites on Wednesdays and Fridays. Students will be responsible for getting themselves home after the internship day ends.

 How do I sign up for the course?

 You sign up for this course just as you sign up for any course---with your counselor during the enrollment period. You will need to specify which semester you want to take the course.

 The course guide says an interview is required? When does this happen?

 If there is high demand for the course, an interview may be required because only one section of the course will be offered each semester in its inaugural year (2007-2008). Student Services will notify Ms. Schoeplein of the course enrollment. If an interview process is necessary, you will be contacted by Ms. Schoeplein to set up an interview.