During a recent government meeting, education leaders discussed the ongoing implementation of the \"Portrait of a Graduate\" initiative aimed at preparing students for future success. The initiative, launched during a summer leadership retreat, identifies five key competencies essential for students: synergistic collaboration, effective communication, critical thinking, self-directed learning, and global citizenship.

In the first year of rollout, the district plans to focus on critical thinking, with specific support provided through district learning walks and professional development sessions. These learning walks involve collaboration between district and school leaders to assess classroom practices and ensure alignment with the Portrait of a Graduate framework.

The leadership team emphasized the importance of a structured professional learning plan, which includes a revised \"look for\" document that outlines desired instructional practices. This document was developed with input from school leaders to foster a sense of ownership and clarity regarding instructional expectations.

Feedback from initial learning walks has been positive, with schools reporting benefits from the collaborative approach. The district aims to conduct three rounds of learning walks throughout the school year, allowing for continuous improvement and targeted support based on observed patterns and trends.

Additionally, a new evaluation system for educators and leaders has been introduced, designed to provide consistent feedback and support without being evaluative. This approach aims to enhance teacher retention by fostering a culture of growth and development within schools.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing support for schools, recognizing the challenges of resource allocation while striving to meet the diverse needs of educators and students. The leadership team expressed optimism about the initiative's potential to improve educational outcomes and strengthen community engagement in the learning process.