The world is changing at a rapid pace. In fact, many of today's elementary school students will enter careers that do not yet exist. As we navigate this dynamic global economy, our Portrait of a Graduate serves as a strategic blueprint. It ensures our students are not only ready for change but are also prepared to lead and innovate, equipped with the essential skills and competencies for the future.
Recognizing this shift, we understand that it is no longer sufficient for students to simply meet academic standards. These skills alone will not distinguish them in the modern workforce. Alvin Toffler, a renowned author and futurist, famously said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write. It will be those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
In essence, it is our responsibility to support our students in developing 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, global citizenship, and self-directed learning. These are a few of the skills most in demand by employers and are crucial for ensuring that our students, regardless of their chosen paths after high school, are set up for success.