The photo at the left is the  Livermore Centennial bulb, the world's longest-burning electric bulb. 

The Dim Bulb

The Occasional Musings of an Educator

by Michael Keany

#89 - October 16, 2025

The brain is capable of performing 10 quadrillion (that’s 10 to the 16th) “calculations,” or synaptic events, per second using only about 15 watts of power. At this rate, a computer as powerful as the human brain would require 1 gigawatt of power. Maybe a dim bulb isn't as dim as it seems.

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Interview Question:   Tell Us What Policies and Practices You Would Put Into Place to Combat "Senioritis" 

Here’s an example of an excellent interview response to the question “What policies and practices would you put into place to combat senioritis?”—followed by five useful resources to strengthen your preparation.

Model Interview Response

“Senioritis,” or the motivational slump many students experience in their final semester, is not a discipline problem—it’s a culture and engagement challenge. My approach would focus on relevance, relationships, and responsibility. The goal is to sustain momentum by giving seniors ownership of their learning and a clear sense of purpose for the transition ahead.

1. Strengthen Purpose and Relevance

I would work with teachers to ensure that senior-year coursework connects directly to students’ postsecondary goals.

• We could expand capstone projects, internships, or dual enrollment opportunities that make learning authentic.

• A “Senior Seminar” course could combine practical life skills—financial literacy, career planning, and college readiness—with reflective activities about legacy and leadership. When students see the connection between school and their future, motivation improves.

2. Reimagine the Senior Experience

We often save the most memorable experiences for the last few weeks, when it’s already too late to influence effort. I’d create a “Senior Year Pathway Plan” starting in the spring of junior year, outlining milestones such as college applications, service learning, and graduation requirements.

• This gives structure and accountability early.

• Regular advisor check-ins ensure students stay on track academically and emotionally.

3. Foster Responsibility Through Mentorship

One proven strategy is to turn seniors into mentors for freshmen or middle schoolers.

• Seniors lead orientation activities or tutor younger students.

• This reframes their role from “done with school” to “leaders within it.” Such programs have been shown to strengthen school climate and personal accountability.

4. Build Flexibility and Voice

Many seniors disengage because they feel “done” but still lack autonomy. I’d pilot a Senior Flex Period allowing students to pursue supervised internships, independent study, or community service once they demonstrate academic readiness.

• Criteria would include consistent attendance and passing grades.

• This policy rewards responsibility and models the independence they’ll need in college or careers.

5. Celebrate Progress and Maintain Traditions

Finally, I’d work with the senior advisors and student government to create positive rituals—senior recognition assemblies, capstone showcases, and early spring goal-setting days. The idea is to keep energy focused on growth and contribution, not coasting.

• Consistent communication with parents helps reinforce the same expectations at home.

• Staff celebrations of senior milestones can turn the final months into a period of purpose rather than fatigue.

In Summary

“To combat senioritis, I would build a senior-year structure that makes learning authentic, meaningful, and connected to the future. By combining clear accountability, flexible options, and leadership opportunities, we turn the senior year from a finish line into a launchpad.”

This answer shows instructional leadership, attention to culture, and data-informed strategy—all key traits administrators want to see.

Five Excellent Resources

1. “Dealing With Senioritis: Keeping Seniors Motivated” – Edutopia Practical strategies for engaging seniors through project-based learning and goal-oriented reflection.
   🔗 https://www.edutopia.org/article/keeping-seniors-engaged

2. “Rethinking the Senior Year” – ASCD Educational Leadership Explores redesigning 12th grade to connect learning with real-world experience and postsecondary readiness.
   🔗 https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/rethinking-the-senior-year

3. The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework – National Council for the Social Studies Offers ideas for senior projects and inquiry-based work aligned with college and career readiness standards.
   🔗 https://www.socialstudies.org/c3

4. “Capstone Projects: The Key to Meaningful Senior Learning” – EdWeek Special Report Research and models for authentic senior-year capstone experiences.
   🔗 https://www.edweek.org/leadership/capstone-projects

5. “How to Build a Senior Internship Program” – National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Policy guidance and case studies for developing internship or community-based senior programs.
   🔗 https://www.nassp.org