ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS

Competent Thinkers who are able to use critical and creative thinking, solve problems, make decisions, and analyze data. As per example, students will:

1. Understand complex systems;
2. Analyze data to predict events;
3. Use various strategies for problem solving and independent decision making;
4. Generate alternatives, consider risks, evaluate, and choose;
5. Generate new ideas and consider ideas in new ways;
6. Discover the rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and apply it to solving a problem.

Effective Collaborators who can work effectively and productively with diverse individuals and groups to achieve team success. As per example, students will:

1. Recognize and respect individual differences;
2. Work and participate in teams;
3. Achieve group goals and projects;
4. Negotiate and work toward agreements;
5. Resolve divergent interests;
6. Listen to and recognize the opinions of others;
7. Value collaborative learning.

Effective Communicators who can possess the ability to express themselves through a variety of mediums, including written or oral communication, art, and music; and who accurately interpret the various methods of communication of others, asking necessary questions and demonstrating listening skills. As per example, students will:

1. Recognize the difference between formal and informal modes of communication;
2. Ask and answer questions;
3. Give and understand directions;
4. Interpret the verbal and non-verbal communication of others;
5. Express ideas effectively in speech and writing;
6. Communicate in groups;
7. Demonstrate effective listening;
8. Demonstrate proper telephone usage;
9. Know and use proper diction in speech and writing;
10. Demonstrate oratory;
11. Practice interviewing skills.

Knowledgeable Individuals who demonstrate academic proficiency in the core areas of mathematics, science, social studies, English, foreign languages, health awareness, and the visual and performing arts; and, who can utilize the skills of reading writing, research, listening, speaking, and the tools of technology in the acquisition of knowledge. As per example, students will:

1. Understand the expressions of culture through art, literature, and the social sciences;
2. Demonstrate proficiency in knowledge-based final examinations;
3. Study current events;
4. Do research;
5. Study career choices;
6. Apply learning confidently and successfully to new and different tasks and situations.

Physically and Emotionally Self-Aware Individuals who can understand the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy level of fitness and who can balance emotional and intellectual decisions. As per example, students will:

1. Design a plan for good health and well-being;
2. Make healthy choices;
3. Recognize and accept the consequences of their own behavior;
4. Recognize their personal position in relation to others;
5. Refrain from impulsive or violent acts;
6. Adapt to changing circumstances;
7. Manage stress;
8. Use personal values and ethics when making decisions.

Quality Producers who can create valuable performances and products through the successful application of academic, intellectual, artistic, practical, and technological skills. As per example, students will:

1. Critique their own and other’s work;
2. Create original examples and physical products;
3. Analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and present information;
4. Apply skills in a work environment;
5. Show pride in their work;
6. Use technology to convey information;
7. Create an evaluation tool to measure effectiveness;
8. Identify areas for improvement in products;
9. Take risks;
10. Demonstrate perseverance and effort;
11. Perform the Graduation Project.

Resource Managers who have the ability to organize, allocate, manage, and use information and resources available for effective and efficient decision making. As per example, students will:

1. Allocate resources of time, talent, and materials in an efficient and effective manner;
2. Apply learning confidently and successfully to different situations and tasks;
3. Practice finance and financial planning concepts;
4. Manage time effectively; prepare and follow schedules;
5. Maintain materials and supplies;
6. Identify and use sources of help;
7. Practice study and organizational skills;
8. Exhibit self-control and respond to criticism positively;
9. Seek advice;
10. Make decisions on the validity and reliability of information.

Responsible Citizens who are well informed and able to apply their knowledge to improve the quality of their lives; who strive toward development of personal wellness, safety, and welfare; and who contribute and participate as responsible members of the community. As per example, students will

1. Demonstrate cooperation, honesty, ethics, integrity, and dependability in a variety of circumstances;
2. Show leadership;
3. Maintain a professional image;
4. Display high standards of attendance and punctuality;
5. Follow through on commitments;
6. Recognize the importance of being an active participant in civic roles;
7. Assume responsibility for the welfare of others in the school and local community;
8. Demonstrate responsibility for their own behavior;
9. Demonstrate tolerance and understanding of other cultures, values, and ideas;
10. Understand the democratic importance of voting;
11. Maintain a safe environment.

Technology Proficient Individuals who can function in a technological society, use the resources of the Internet, adapt to rapid changes in technology, and apply technology appropriately. As per example, students will:

1. Demonstrate keyboarding skills;
2. Demonstrate proficiency with word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, Internet functions, desktop publishing, and other programs;
3. Keep abreast of new technologies as they emerge;
4. Operate equipment;
5. Communicate through e-mail.