Portrait of a Graduate
In order for each student to reach their potential in becoming productive and good humans, School District 123 must be intentionally designed to hold each student accountable to high expectations for success. Through the development and use of a portrait of a graduate model, School District 123 can embrace an expanded definition of student success, one that ensures that students are fully equipped with core academic knowledge, as well as a range of other competencies and skills that the community agrees its young people need to thrive in learning, work, and life. A portrait of a graduate can serve as a north star to drive School District 123 to articulate the holistic outcomes we want for our graduates, and work backwards to build an operational blueprint in which each characteristic maps directly to the identified outcomes.
Confident Learner
Flexible
Thinker
Thinker
Inclusive Community Member
Productive Teammate
Confident Learner
Preparedness
Being proficient and ready to read, write, and perform mathematically at their age level.
Growth Mindsets
Believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Self-Efficacy
Has a strong belief in their ability to achieve learning goals.
Resilience
Doesn't get discouraged by setbacks and is willing to try again after failures.
Curiosity
Eager to explore new ideas and concepts without fear of making mistakes.
Flexible Thinker
Open-Mindedness
Comfortable with uncertainty or complex situations that don't have clear-cut answers, open to considering new ideas, even if they challenge previous beliefs.
Adaptability
Can quickly shift perspectives or approaches in response to new information or changing circumstances.
Creativity
Capable of divergent and original thinking, coming up with innovative solutions to problems.
Problem-Solving Skills
Able to approach problems in multiple ways, recognizing that different situations may require different solutions.
Informed Decision-Making
Analyzing diverse sources and perspectives before concluding to ensure decisions are thoughtful, well-reasoned, and grounded in evidence, not assumptions or biases.
Inclusive Community Member
A Welcoming Attitude
Is kind and empathetic, making everyone feel they belong, especially newcomers or marginalized groups.
Respect for Diversity
Embraces and respects the differences in people, advocating for equity, justice, and inclusion within all sectors of the community.
Equity and Fairness
Ensuring everyone in the community can access opportunities and resources, and working to remove anything that might keep others from joining in.
Active Engagement
Participates in community-building activities that serve to improve the quality of life for all and advance the common good.
Social Contribution
Engages in activities that benefit others, such as volunteering, helping neighbors, or supporting social causes.
Productive Teammate
Effective Communication & Collaboration
Clearly expresses ideas, listens to others, and provides constructive feedback, promoting open dialogue while working well with others.
Active Participation
Gets involved, takes initiative and helps ensure all voices are heard and contributes to collective progress.
Supportiveness
Encourages and assists other teammates by highlighting their strengths and creating a sense of togetherness.
Reliability
Is a “go to” person who delivers on commitments, meets timelines, and consistently contributes to the team's efforts.
Positive Attitude
Maintains a solution-oriented mindset, staying motivated and encouraging others, even during challenges.