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Portrait of a Graduate

Portrait of a Graduate

A framework developed by a school or district, known as Portrait of a Graduate, defines the skills, knowledge, and attributes students should possess upon graduation to be successful in the 21st century. It moves beyond traditional academic measures and emphasizes deeper learning, future-readiness, and community-defined success.

San Diego Virtual School's 'Portrait of a Graduate' logo with a graduation cap.

  • Two speech bubbles, outlined in white, sit inside a dark blue circle.

    Communication: the process of conveying information, ideas, or feelings through a shared system of symbols, signs, or behavior.

     

    Collaboration: a partnership; a union; the act of producing or making something together

  • Icon of a team with a leader, symbolizing collaboration and ideas.

    Critical Thinking: the mental process of actively and skillfully analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to form a judgment.

    Problem Solving: the process or act of finding a solution to a problem.

  • Icon of two hands shaking, symbolizing agreement and trust, within a blue circle.Responsibility: being accountable for one's actions and duties, including fulfilling obligations, taking care of oneself and belongings, and understanding the consequences of choices.

    Accountability: the quality or state of being accountable. especially: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions.

  • A white outline of a person looking in a mirror, set against a blue circle.

    Self Awareness: conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires

    Adaptability: the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

  • An icon of a clipboard, gear, and shield, representing processes and security.Work Ethic: a belief in work as a moral good and a set of values centered on the importance of doing work and reflected especially in a desire or determination to work hard

    Discipline: training yourself to follow rules and standards of behavior, often involving self-control with the ability to delay gratification. How: focus on developing good habits, setting clear goals, and managing distractions.