This is the second part in a multi-part series about the MSAD 51 Profile of a Learner (POL). Last week, I introduced the POL as a vehicle for connecting the aspirational elements of the district's mission to concrete learning experiences occurring in our classrooms, many of which are broadly experienced by students at various grade spans. The four tenets of the Greely POL include Effective Communicator, Creative Problem Solver, Lifelong Learner, and Global Citizen.
When we think about what it means to be an Effective Communicator, these are the key skills and desired actions we hope our students will continue refining over their K-12 educational journey:
- Know how to effectively advocate for oneself
- Listen actively and consider the perspectives of others, even if they differ from your own views
- Share information clearly, accurately, and respectfully so that it can be received in a way that is productive
- Understand how and when to use varying communication styles in different situations so as to be agile, confident, and effective as a communicator
These skills may appear to be self-explanatory, but how do they transfer from being merely something on paper to actionable in students' lives? Each grade span has provided age-appropriate, concrete examples of what it means to be an Effective Communicator:
- Students in grades PK-3 practice their ability to be effective communicators when participating in classroom meetings, engaging in community circles with their peers, and taking turns speaking and listening to each other.
- Students in grades 4 & 5 practice communication skills through research projects, mathematical discourse, and sharing their learning with peers and authentic audiences.
- Students in grades 6-8 demonstrate their skills through participation in restorative and community circles
- Students in grades 9-12 practice communication skills in all of their courses such as listening, asking questions, interacting, and responding to what is being discussed in a contextual manner
If you missed last week's segment, check it out HERE. Next time, we'll dig in deeper about what it means to be a Creative Problem Solver.
Wishing all of our students, staff, and families rest and relaxation during the upcoming break next week. See you back the last week of February.