NWLSD’s Strategic Plan is the foundation of how our District will grow and operate in the years to come. It is the Vision for our tomorrow.
As we continue framing the vision for our school district, we will also take steps to further develop our students into tomorrow’s leaders. As a District, we are committed to making sure that our students will one day be employed, enrolled or enlisted. We plan to do that by creating our Portrait of a NWLSD Graduate. Our Portrait of a NWLSD Graduate is a key component of our Strategic Plan that will determine learning outcomes for all of our students, preschool through 12th grade. We realize that now more than ever, learning experiences for our 21st Century learners must not only provide for the acquisition of rigorous academic content, but they must also be more intentional about fostering critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and other 21st century skills our young people need to thrive in this complex, rapidly changing world.
The community’s role in our future is critical. In an effort to collaborate with our stakeholders, we are actively engaging our community in developing our Portrait of a Graduate (PK-12). NWLSD leaders are meeting with members of various communities of faith, business and community leaders, policy makers, social service agencies, students, educators, board members, and parents to form a collective vision that articulates our aspirations for every student in Northwest Local Schools.
We have created a FAQ below:
How can I access NWLSD’s Strategic Plan?
NWLSD’s Strategic plan can be accessed online by clicking this link: https://www.nwlsd.org/Downloads/Northwest%20Local%20School%20District%20Strategic%20Plan%20.pdf
Is Portrait of a Graduate just for High Schoolers?
NWLSD understands that developing our students into tomorrow’s leaders starts early. That is why our initiative targets all of our students, Pre-K through 12th grade. We want to make sure to reinforce our building blocks year after year as our students matriculate from grade to grade.
What is 21st Century Learning?
A 21st Century Learning framework is an approach that school districts and educators are turning to in order to make sure that their students are prepared to thrive as they enter into the real-world. NWLSD’s mission is to ensure that our students are guided along a pathway to success. Our vision is to provide our students with learning experiences that empower students to contribute to a future not yet imagined. The 21st Century system sets up a framework for this to happen by fostering, nurturing and encouraging innovation skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity (4c’s). This framework creates a learning environment where students are challenged to utilize and implement the 4c’s as they experience rigorous academic instruction, learn life and career skills as well as explore information, media and technology skills.
Why are 21st Century learning skills so important?
Our world is rapidly changing. Globally, universities and employers across different industries are looking for students and employees with transferable skill sets like adaptability, effective communication, problem solving, leadership, empathy, open mindedness, integrity and dependability. We want to ensure that our student body is equipped with the skill set they need to be a contributing citizen in our world.
How will NWLSD choose the 21st Century skills that they will use?
NWLSD administrators and school leaders are meeting with members of various community members over a 4-month period, February through May, to collaborate and discuss the skills our stakeholders value. NWLSD has brought various groups to the table - communities of faith, business and community leaders, policy makers, social service agencies, students, educators, board members, and parents to form a collective vision that articulates our aspirations for every student in Northwest Local Schools.
How will NWLSD implement the 21st Century learning skills?
As we near the end of the process, we will gain a clearer perspective of the competencies, or 21st century learning skills, that our stakeholders have worked with us to select. Once selected, our Curriculum Department will work intricately with our building principals and teachers to loom our competencies into all of our learning strategies. We expect this process to take anywhere from 3-4 years to fully implement.
How can I get involved?
You can join us for our upcoming Portrait of a Graduate Committee Meeting on March 18th, 2020 at Taylor Elementary from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
I am a part of the Strategic Plan Committee, can I also be a part of the Portrait of a Graduate?
Yes, you can participate in both. Our Portrait of a Graduate committee will meet once a month, and will conclude in May. Our Strategic Plan Committees will continue indefinitely as we set the trajectory and the foundation of our District for years to come.
Who is NWLSD partnering with in this process?
Portrait of a Graduate is a Battelle for Kids initiative. They have worked with numerous schools across the United States to determine what learning will look like within their districts. To learn more or to see examples of the overall outcome in other school districts, click here: Battelle For Kids - Portrait of a Graduate