September 2015 Message from the Superintendent

Stand With Us as We Prepare Graduates for Success

As we kick off the 2015-16 school year, a new vocabulary is emerging. In 2014-15, our Board worked with staff to refine CUSD’s mission statement, clarify our vision, and describe the profile of our graduates.

Our Graduate Profile states in clear terms what CUSD graduates will take with them when they head out in the world.  Specifically, the Profile identifies six attributes, sometimes called “soft skills”, that will ensure success no matter what pursuits a student may choose. Each attribute includes a descriptor to help teachers, principals, and parents design opportunities that will build upon these skills.

Simply stated, CUSD is committed to aligning our instructional programs to prepare students for their future, rather than our past. When we talk to members of the business community, we’re told these “soft skills” will unlock doors in any field. The Graduate Profile serves as a useful tool in assessing how well we’re accomplishing our vision.

Take a look at these six attributes and see if you don’t agree!

Effective Communicator and Collaborator

Graduates convey their thoughts and responses clearly. They interact productively to achieve common goals.

Critical Thinker

Graduates are inquisitive. They notice; they wonder; they figure things out.

Ethical and Responsible Citizen

Graduates display integrity and civic mindedness. They honor their commitments and aspire to the highest standards.

Lifelong Learner

Graduates have the passion and vigor for learning that will fuel them through new opportunities and challenges.

College and Career Ready Scholar

Graduates navigate pathways that connect education and employment to a fulfilling, financially secure life.

Self-Directed Individual

Graduates accept responsibility for their learning. They recognize their strengths and work to their full potential.

We ask every employee and stakeholders to stand with us in this journey to prepare our students for life beyond high school.

June 2015 Message from the Superintendent

I am pleased to announce to the CUSD community that our San Diego County California Career Pathways Trust Grant (CCPT) has been awarded more than $13 million by the California Department of Education. The goal of this grant is to build coordinated systems for career exploration and work-based learning experiences for high school students across the county. The end result is to better prepare our graduates for the high-wage, high-demand jobs that await them when they leave the educational system.

For the last two years, Carlsbad Unified has been an active partner in the San Diego County College and Career Readiness Consortium, a county-wide network of high school and community college districts that includes 116 high schools and eight community college campuses, led by the San Diego County Office of Education. Partners also include Qualcomm, the United Way and the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

The grant will support career pathway programming through professional development for teachers and counselors, curriculum development, technology, and the purchase of other materials/equipment for student use. The project focuses on careers in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and information and communications technology. 

A major element of the grant will be the creation of a county-wide web portal that aligns career-related activities across the county, including professional development, job shadowing, mentoring, and data reporting on student participation rates. The goal is to establish a coordinated system whereby the business and school communities can connect students to working professionals in STEM and manufacturing industries.

Carlsbad Unified expects to receive $400,000 over the next two years to implement the grant. In addition to expanding our high school pathways, funds will be used to further develop the career readiness skills of high school students such as time management, collaboration, problem solving, leadership, and communication. These “soft skills” are vital components of what every industry is seeking in their future employees.

The $13 million award was one of 40 competitive grants awarded throughout the State and the only grant received in San Diego.