## Pillars

A WISE program consists of the following four elements:

1. Local control: A local task force designs its program following the guidelines provided by WISE Services. On a regular basis, the task force establishes and reviews the calendar, the timelines and the assessment process for each program.

2. ALL seniors eligible for graduation can participate: A program is open to all students eligible to graduate; equity forms the very basis of our democratic school system.

3. Credit bearing: Students earn credit for participating in the program. By providing credit, the school is saying that it values both the program and the student’s effort in designing and executing his or her project.

4. Exchange of information and ideas: WISE encourages the exchange of ideas and information through the WISE website, newsletter, annual Coordinators’ Exchanges, Annual Conferences and email contacts. WISE schools are encouraged to share ideas with one another and to make use of the support available to them from WISE Services.