EdS Capstone Template Final
Content
Abstract
[Capstone Project Title]
by
[your official name]
MA, [university], 20XX
BS, [university], 20XX
Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Educational Specialist
[name of program]
Walden University
[last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 20XX
Abstract
Insert the abstract here; it should be no more than one page. Abstract text must be doublespaced with no paragraph breaks. Describe the overall project being addressed in the first
couple of sentences and indicate why the topic related to positive social change is
important (e.g., who would care if the problem is solved). Identify the rationale for the
capstone project and the theoretical foundations, if appropriate. Summarize the key
question(s) guiding the review of literature. Identify the key findings from the research,
the issues in the learning environment, and recommendations that capture the heart of the
study. Conclude with a statement on the implications for positive social change and
applications to the local problem
[Capstone Project Title]
by
[your official name]
MA, [university], 20XX
BS, [university], 20XX
Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Educational Specialist
[name of program]
Walden University
[last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 20XX
Table of Contents
List of Tables.......................................................................................................................
List of Figures.....................................................................................................................
Section 1: The Issue of Concern (Level 0 Heading)............................................................
APA Level 1 Heading....................................................................................................
APA Level 2 Heading..............................................................................................
Section 2: Literature Review...............................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
Section 3: Critical Analysis..................................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
Section 4: Proposal/Recommendations................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
Section 5: Capstone Reflection............................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
References............................................................................................................................
Appendix A: Title of Appendix............................................................................................
Use this table of contents (TOC) as an example of what one looks like. When it comes
time for creating your own TOC, RIGHT CLICK anywhere in the Table of Contents,
select UPDATE FIELD, then select UPDATE ENTIRE TABLE or UPDATE PAGE
NUMBERS ONLY, and click OK.
The table of contents will be generated using the style tags from the template; you will
also be able to automatically update the TOC, both added headings and page numbers.
i
List of Tables
Table 1. A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting.......................................................5
ii
List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure caption goes here.....................................................................................xx
iii
1
Section 1: The Issue of Concern (Level 0 Heading)
APA Level 1 Heading
In this section, the issue of concern that prompted the study is clearly defined and
discussed in terms of the local setting and the larger population or education situation.
The rationale for choosing this issue is included, and any special terms associated with
the issue are defined and cited. The significance of the issue should be clearly discussed,
and the issue is stated clearly in the form of a question that guides a review of literature.
APA Level 2 Heading
Place your text here; when placing your cursor on this text, you will see in the
style menu that this paragraph is tagged “Body Text.” That means it will automatically
appear double-spaced with the first line indented, per Walden style. The sixth edition of
the APA manual advises two character spaces between sentences. Walden accepts either
one or two spaces; either is acceptable, just be consistent. The text in this template has
one character space between sentences.
You can find the style menu in Word 2007 by clicking on the Home tab on the
standard toolbar; Styles is one of the choices you will see. Click on the arrow icon on the
right side of the Styles bar, and the drop-down menu of styles will appear. In Word 2003,
look in the upper left corner of your screen, on the formatting toolbar, for the drop-down
style menu.
To apply this template’s formatting to the text of your paper, simply highlight the
paragraph(s) or heading you want to format, and choose the appropriate tag from the style
2
menu. The list of style tags includes all levels of headings, block quotes, table and figure
captions, references, and body text.
APA level 3 heading. Text begins here.
APA level 4 heading. Text begins here. The following is an example of a block
quote:
This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the work that needs to
be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the work that
needs to be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the
work that needs to be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time
to do the work that needs to be done. (Author, date, p. #)
If you make a mistake and something changes that you did not want to change, in
Word 2007, either type Ctrl (Control key) z or, on the Quick Access toolbar, next to Save,
click on the arrow icon for Undo. In Word 2003, go to Edit, Undo Typing.
As you continue to develop your proposal or doctoral study in this template, use
the instructions in Comments 9 to12 to add new headings and new text.
For guidance on the content of sections of EdS capstone project, go to the
Research Center website (http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/) and look under EdS
Capstone Project Process and Documents, then choose the rubric, which outlines the
contents of each section of the doctoral study. For guidance on APA style rules, help with
writing style or mechanics, and access to one-on-one draft reviews, go to the Writing
Center website (http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu).
3
Section 2: Literature Review
First Heading
Insert the text of your literature review here. Report the literature in past tense, as
in Jones (2003) argued, not Jones (2003) argues. Refer to the rubric for guidance on the
content of this section.
Here are some additional tips for presenting data in vertical list form.
1.
In the body of your paper, use this format when presenting information as a
vertical list.
2. When the order of the items in the list is important, use a numbered list. Use a
bulleted vertical list when you do not need to indicate a certain order or
chronology.
This is an example of a bulleted list.
It follows the same format as for a numbered list, with the bullet point
indented the same as a paragraph indent.
In this section, the theoretical base/conceptual framework related to the issue is
discussed in a manner that justifies the investigation of this issue as a worthwhile
scholarly endeavor. The broader issue associated with the local issue addressed in the
study is drawn primarily from recent articles published in acceptable peer-reviewed
journals or sound academic journals and texts, and there is a justification for using other
sources. Literature from diverse perspectives is included as appropriate. A minimum of
4
25 relevant sources of scholarship, including at least five seminal and 15 current sources,
are cited in the document and included in the reference page.
5
Section 3: Critical Analysis
First Heading
In this section, identify concepts, including identification of the original theory
and how subsequent research supported or refuted the theory. Discuss agreements and/or
disagreements by scholars in the literature reviewed. Note any gaps in the literature based
on scholars’ conclusions. Conclusions drawn from the critical analysis should respond to
the guiding question stated in the Issue of Concern section.
6
Section 4: Proposal/Recommendations
First Heading
Discuss the existing mission of the organization and explain how the mission relates
to the issue. Reiteration the guiding question and the research-based response to the original
issue of concern. This section should also include the overarching goals of the
Proposal/Recommendations and their relationship to the mission (including the citations
supporting the goals), as well as the specific and measurable objectives for the Proposal/
Recommendations (including the citations [theory and research] supporting the objectives).
Present the plan of action in steps or phases, describing each fully so that another person
could implement. Include individuals, timeline, and benchmarks.
7
Section 5: Capstone Reflection
First Heading
This section should include a description of the capstone project’s strengths and
limitations in addressing the issue of concern. Describe what you learned about
scholarship, project development and evaluation, and leadership and change
Provide an overall reflection on the importance of the work and what you learned.
Discuss implications, applications, and directions for future study.
8
References
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2010). Title of article. Title of Periodical,
xx(x), xxx-xxx. doi:[DOI number in full here]
Author, A. A. (2009). Title of book. City of Publication, ST: Publisher.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2008). Title of chapter within a book. In A. Editor, B.
Editor, & C. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. xxx-xxx). City, ST: Publisher.
9
Appendix A: Title of Appendix
Insert appendix here. Appendices are ordered with letters rather than numbers.
The appendices must adhere to the same margin specifications as the body of the
doctoral study. Photocopied or previously printed material may have to be shifted on the
page or reduced in size to fit within the area bounded by the margins.
If the only thing in an appendix is a table, the table title serves as the title of the
appendix; no label is needed for the table itself. If you have text in addition to a table or
tables in an appendix, label the table with the letter of the appendix (e.g., Table A1, Table
A2, Table B1, and so on). These tables would be listed in the List of Tables at the end of
the Table of Contents.
If you include in an appendix any prepublished materials that are not in the public
domain, you must also include permission to do so.
10
Congratulations! This is the end of your captone project! Be sure to delete this text!
[Capstone Project Title]
by
[your official name]
MA, [university], 20XX
BS, [university], 20XX
Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Educational Specialist
[name of program]
Walden University
[last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 20XX
Abstract
Insert the abstract here; it should be no more than one page. Abstract text must be doublespaced with no paragraph breaks. Describe the overall project being addressed in the first
couple of sentences and indicate why the topic related to positive social change is
important (e.g., who would care if the problem is solved). Identify the rationale for the
capstone project and the theoretical foundations, if appropriate. Summarize the key
question(s) guiding the review of literature. Identify the key findings from the research,
the issues in the learning environment, and recommendations that capture the heart of the
study. Conclude with a statement on the implications for positive social change and
applications to the local problem
[Capstone Project Title]
by
[your official name]
MA, [university], 20XX
BS, [university], 20XX
Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Educational Specialist
[name of program]
Walden University
[last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 20XX
Table of Contents
List of Tables.......................................................................................................................
List of Figures.....................................................................................................................
Section 1: The Issue of Concern (Level 0 Heading)............................................................
APA Level 1 Heading....................................................................................................
APA Level 2 Heading..............................................................................................
Section 2: Literature Review...............................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
Section 3: Critical Analysis..................................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
Section 4: Proposal/Recommendations................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
Section 5: Capstone Reflection............................................................................................
First Heading..................................................................................................................
References............................................................................................................................
Appendix A: Title of Appendix............................................................................................
Use this table of contents (TOC) as an example of what one looks like. When it comes
time for creating your own TOC, RIGHT CLICK anywhere in the Table of Contents,
select UPDATE FIELD, then select UPDATE ENTIRE TABLE or UPDATE PAGE
NUMBERS ONLY, and click OK.
The table of contents will be generated using the style tags from the template; you will
also be able to automatically update the TOC, both added headings and page numbers.
i
List of Tables
Table 1. A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting.......................................................5
ii
List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure caption goes here.....................................................................................xx
iii
1
Section 1: The Issue of Concern (Level 0 Heading)
APA Level 1 Heading
In this section, the issue of concern that prompted the study is clearly defined and
discussed in terms of the local setting and the larger population or education situation.
The rationale for choosing this issue is included, and any special terms associated with
the issue are defined and cited. The significance of the issue should be clearly discussed,
and the issue is stated clearly in the form of a question that guides a review of literature.
APA Level 2 Heading
Place your text here; when placing your cursor on this text, you will see in the
style menu that this paragraph is tagged “Body Text.” That means it will automatically
appear double-spaced with the first line indented, per Walden style. The sixth edition of
the APA manual advises two character spaces between sentences. Walden accepts either
one or two spaces; either is acceptable, just be consistent. The text in this template has
one character space between sentences.
You can find the style menu in Word 2007 by clicking on the Home tab on the
standard toolbar; Styles is one of the choices you will see. Click on the arrow icon on the
right side of the Styles bar, and the drop-down menu of styles will appear. In Word 2003,
look in the upper left corner of your screen, on the formatting toolbar, for the drop-down
style menu.
To apply this template’s formatting to the text of your paper, simply highlight the
paragraph(s) or heading you want to format, and choose the appropriate tag from the style
2
menu. The list of style tags includes all levels of headings, block quotes, table and figure
captions, references, and body text.
APA level 3 heading. Text begins here.
APA level 4 heading. Text begins here. The following is an example of a block
quote:
This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the work that needs to
be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the work that
needs to be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the
work that needs to be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time
to do the work that needs to be done. (Author, date, p. #)
If you make a mistake and something changes that you did not want to change, in
Word 2007, either type Ctrl (Control key) z or, on the Quick Access toolbar, next to Save,
click on the arrow icon for Undo. In Word 2003, go to Edit, Undo Typing.
As you continue to develop your proposal or doctoral study in this template, use
the instructions in Comments 9 to12 to add new headings and new text.
For guidance on the content of sections of EdS capstone project, go to the
Research Center website (http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/) and look under EdS
Capstone Project Process and Documents, then choose the rubric, which outlines the
contents of each section of the doctoral study. For guidance on APA style rules, help with
writing style or mechanics, and access to one-on-one draft reviews, go to the Writing
Center website (http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu).
3
Section 2: Literature Review
First Heading
Insert the text of your literature review here. Report the literature in past tense, as
in Jones (2003) argued, not Jones (2003) argues. Refer to the rubric for guidance on the
content of this section.
Here are some additional tips for presenting data in vertical list form.
1.
In the body of your paper, use this format when presenting information as a
vertical list.
2. When the order of the items in the list is important, use a numbered list. Use a
bulleted vertical list when you do not need to indicate a certain order or
chronology.
This is an example of a bulleted list.
It follows the same format as for a numbered list, with the bullet point
indented the same as a paragraph indent.
In this section, the theoretical base/conceptual framework related to the issue is
discussed in a manner that justifies the investigation of this issue as a worthwhile
scholarly endeavor. The broader issue associated with the local issue addressed in the
study is drawn primarily from recent articles published in acceptable peer-reviewed
journals or sound academic journals and texts, and there is a justification for using other
sources. Literature from diverse perspectives is included as appropriate. A minimum of
4
25 relevant sources of scholarship, including at least five seminal and 15 current sources,
are cited in the document and included in the reference page.
5
Section 3: Critical Analysis
First Heading
In this section, identify concepts, including identification of the original theory
and how subsequent research supported or refuted the theory. Discuss agreements and/or
disagreements by scholars in the literature reviewed. Note any gaps in the literature based
on scholars’ conclusions. Conclusions drawn from the critical analysis should respond to
the guiding question stated in the Issue of Concern section.
6
Section 4: Proposal/Recommendations
First Heading
Discuss the existing mission of the organization and explain how the mission relates
to the issue. Reiteration the guiding question and the research-based response to the original
issue of concern. This section should also include the overarching goals of the
Proposal/Recommendations and their relationship to the mission (including the citations
supporting the goals), as well as the specific and measurable objectives for the Proposal/
Recommendations (including the citations [theory and research] supporting the objectives).
Present the plan of action in steps or phases, describing each fully so that another person
could implement. Include individuals, timeline, and benchmarks.
7
Section 5: Capstone Reflection
First Heading
This section should include a description of the capstone project’s strengths and
limitations in addressing the issue of concern. Describe what you learned about
scholarship, project development and evaluation, and leadership and change
Provide an overall reflection on the importance of the work and what you learned.
Discuss implications, applications, and directions for future study.
8
References
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2010). Title of article. Title of Periodical,
xx(x), xxx-xxx. doi:[DOI number in full here]
Author, A. A. (2009). Title of book. City of Publication, ST: Publisher.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2008). Title of chapter within a book. In A. Editor, B.
Editor, & C. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. xxx-xxx). City, ST: Publisher.
9
Appendix A: Title of Appendix
Insert appendix here. Appendices are ordered with letters rather than numbers.
The appendices must adhere to the same margin specifications as the body of the
doctoral study. Photocopied or previously printed material may have to be shifted on the
page or reduced in size to fit within the area bounded by the margins.
If the only thing in an appendix is a table, the table title serves as the title of the
appendix; no label is needed for the table itself. If you have text in addition to a table or
tables in an appendix, label the table with the letter of the appendix (e.g., Table A1, Table
A2, Table B1, and so on). These tables would be listed in the List of Tables at the end of
the Table of Contents.
If you include in an appendix any prepublished materials that are not in the public
domain, you must also include permission to do so.
10
Congratulations! This is the end of your captone project! Be sure to delete this text!
