What kind of educational
experiences do we want for our students at all grade levels as we propel them
towards graduation, the challenges ahead, and their future lives?
That was the essential
question the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Committee studied and debated over
the last year. We researched, discussed, and ultimately articulated
the key attributes, skills, and knowledge we want for Needham’s young people,
now and as far into the future as we can see. We developed a framework—a
Portrait of a Needham Graduate—that will inform the district’s work going
forward, with priorities and strategic objectives around which the community
can coalesce and contribute.
We believe that even though
their future is uncertain, our students will be prepared. These are
the five critical competencies that emerged from our work:
Preparing all Needham Public Schools Students to be…
Creative Thinkers and Problem Solvers
Raise questions driven by curiosity; Analyze relevant
information;
Express creativity; Design and innovate solutions
Communicators and Collaborators
Listen effectively; Articulate ideas using a variety of
communication strategies and skills;
Interact with others respectfully and productively; Contribute
to teamwork
Socially and Culturally Responsive Contributors
Understand and respect diversity; Act with empathy and courage
to ensure equity, access, and an anti-racist culture; Address local &
global issues through civic and community engagement
Responsible and Resilient Individuals
Take responsibility for actions; Make healthy choices to achieve
physical & emotional
well-being; Self advocate; Persist to overcome personal
challenges; Adapt to change
Empowered Learners
Discover and integrate content from multiple disciplines; Engage
in self-directed learning;
Use technology to support learning and navigate a digital world
Our students’ collective
and individual success depends on developing these competencies in preparation
for the world that awaits them. Key priorities, based on these competencies,
will guide our work. These include:
Priority 1: ALL STUDENTS ARE DRIVERS OF THEIR OWN LEARNING
Research has demonstrated
that engaging students in the learning process increases their attention and
focus, motivates them to practice higher-level critical thinking skills and
promotes meaningful learning experiences. Educators who adopt a
student-centered approach to instruction increase opportunities for student
engagement, which then helps students to achieve their own learning objectives.
In terms of teaching practices, a shift is needed from teacher transmission of
information to student application of knowledge through their own real-world
experiences.
The following strategic
objectives are recommended to support all students in becoming drivers of their
own learning:
• Incorporate
opportunities for student choice, independent learning, and individualized
pathways.
• Provide
structures and experiences that enable student efficacy, leadership, and voice.
• Teach students
the content and skills necessary for them to grow personally and academically.
Priority 2: ALL STUDENTS EXPERIENCE INTEGRATIVE TEACHING &
LEARNING
In many educational
systems, there are learning silos for academic subjects, departments, Special
Education, etc. This priority is about Needham Public Schools serving or
intending to unify separate things for the purpose of carrying out best
practices in teaching and learning.
Our intent is to enable
students to make connections between ideas and concepts across different
disciplines and apply the knowledge gained. At the same time, we intend to
address students’ individual differences and provide each student with access
to the resources they need. We will take into account social and emotional
components that either facilitate or impede learning, and consider alternative
ways for students to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and skills. We believe
transferable skills, like communication and collaboration, will result in
learning experiences that stay with the student for a lifetime.
The following strategic
objectives are recommended to support all students in experiencing integrative
teaching and learning:
• Extend
interdisciplinary teaching and learning practices Pre-K to 12.
• Embed Portrait
Competencies, Technology, Inclusive Practices, SEL, and Equity into all
curricula and instructional practices.
• Provide
opportunities for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills through multiple
means of expression.
Priority 3: ALL STUDENTS LEARN & GROW WITHIN ADAPTABLE
ENVIRONMENTS
We recognize that learning
takes place within the classroom, and within and outside the school building.
Learning continues in the community and with families. That is why it’s
important to extend our work by enhancing learning environments. Staff
suggested more flexible/innovative spaces, schedules, and structures;
thoughtful homework practices; opportunities for travel and internships;
family/community engagement; and other fresh ideas.
The following strategic
objectives are recommended to support all students to learn and grow within
adaptable environments:
• Support and
design classroom models and environments that foster collaboration and
innovation.
• Provide time,
schedules, and spaces that promote learning objectives.
• Complement
instruction with accessible learning outside the classroom, within the
community, and in partnership with families.
Priority 4: INFRASTRUCTURE
SUPPORTS NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS
Underpinning the Portrait
framework is an infrastructure critical to carrying out our 5-year plan. This
priority focuses on the investments needed, the capacity building, development
of systems, and the ongoing training and professional learning of Needham
Public Schools staff.
The following strategic
objectives are recommended to provide the infrastructure that supports the
needs of all students:
• Provide
staffing, facilities, and budget resources aligned to district priorities.
• Implement a
recruitment, retention, and development process for staff growth and diversity.
• Establish a
professional learning structure supporting equity and the Portrait vision.
Please join us in the
months and years ahead as we collaborate, plan, and work to ensure the Portrait
becomes a reality for each student in the Needham Schools.
On May 7th the
School Committee will be asked to vote on the Portrait and priority areas. Stay
tuned and connected as we work to implement a new vision for Needham’s young people.