lesson 15: letter of recommendation outcome: Students request, receive, and evaluate at least one letter of recommendation from an adult reference. OBJECTIVES * Identify the qualities of an excellent reference. * Defi ne " letter of recommendation " and explain the expectations for the project. * Formally request at least one letter of recommendation from an adult reference. * Evaluate what makes a good letter of recommendation. * Explain how taking action to summarize our experiences can prepare us for our postsecondary plans. ASSESSMENT * Letter of Recommendation Evaluation * Refl ection MATERIALS NEEDED * Formal Letter of Recommendation Request * " Letter of Recommendation " handout PREPARATION * Photocopy the Formal Letter of Recommendation Request worksheet and Rubric. * This lesson requires students to request Letters of Recommendation and then wait two weeks to receive them. Plan to deliver Steps 1-3 below, and then return to complete Steps 4 and 5 later. * Write some of the potential recommenders from the " Letter of Recommendation " handout on cards for use during the Motivation (for example, " Your Counselor " ). lesson outline 1. Motivation 2. Direct Instruction 3. Independent Practice 4. Whole Group Discussion 5. Summary Reflection Based on the activities and experiences you've had so far in high school, what do you plan to do to get and stay involved from now until graduation next year? What activities and experiences would you like to have after high school, in college, or as an adult? who should speak for you? (10-20 minutes) letters of recommendation (10 minutes) requesting letters of recommendation (10-40 minutes) evaluating letters of recommendation (10-40 minutes) taking action on your experiences (10 minutes) 142 LESSON 15: LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION