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Portrait of a Graduate

Diagram of Granville's Portrait of a Graduate traits

Several years ago, we engaged in an innovation process to determine how we could improve outcomes for students. The by-product of that process was the integration of Project Based Learning (PBL) into our students’ and teachers’ mindset. Shortly after the PBL work began, we engaged in a community process to identify our Portrait of a Graduate (PoaG) – a composite of our Values, combined with what mindsets, skills and dispositions we want our students to possess after their tenure within our district. The following competencies define Blue Aces.

Collaborative

  • Assume shared responsibility and value individual contributions to achieve a common goal.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work together in diverse teams.
  • Articulate thoughts and ideas using oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills.

Critical Thinkers

  • Collect, assess, and analyze information to make sound judgments and decisions.
  • Refine and evaluate ideas in order to innovate and maximize creative efforts.
  • Reflect on the learning process, feedback, and solutions.

Empathetic

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives and needs of others.
  • Examine the impact of external influences on beliefs and behaviors during interactions with others.
  • Maintain an open-minded approach to new ideas or values.

Adaptable

  • Adjust to varied roles and responsibilities in a world of ambiguity and changing priorities.
  • React productively to feedback, success, and failure.
  • Understand, balance, and navigate diverse views to reach workable solutions. 

Responsible

  • Display personal integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior.
  • Explore and expand personal learning experiences and opportunities to gain expertise.
  • Understand the local, national, and global implications of civic decisions.

Resilient

  • View failure as an opportunity to learn.
  • Delay gratification, refocus after distractions, and maintain momentum until goals are attained.
  • Develop positive attitudes and beliefs about themselves as lifelong learners.

In Granville Schools, our definition of success has evolved to include our Portrait of a Graduate competencies to complement our tradition of academic success. Our focus on developing well-rounded human beings helps us remember that schools are not just about test scores or academic attainment in isolation – the true value to our students is in the application of knowledge, skills, and development of the appropriate mindsets that help increase success in our global community.

We are focused on deeper learning, and intentionally developing agency and autonomy in our students. Cultivating curiosity and giving the students choice and control over their learning empowers them to act, which almost always leads to positive changes in academic performance and best prepares them for life after Granville Schools.

Over the last three years, we have been doing a series of messages to reinforce how our Portrait of a Graduate translates from different perspectives – from our Superintendent and administrators, to our students, to community leaders and alumni. Please explore the examples below.

Learning for Life Staff Appreciation Award

Please help us celebrate and appreciate our Granville staff! We are excited to launch the Learning for Life Monthly Staff Appreciation Award in partnership with the Granville Education Foundation. This new program invites our community to recognize staff who exemplify the six key characteristics of our Portrait of a Graduate and truly model Learning for Life.  Nomination information can be accessed here.

Logo for the Learning for Life Staff Appreciation Award

Consider nominating a Granville staff member who inspires, leads, and makes a difference every day!