In Pursuit of our Graduate Profile - It's Elementary
A few years ago, the Carlsbad Unified community came together to identify the traits that students will need to thrive in their future careers and personal lives. Reflecting that effort, our Graduate Profile sets out these characteristics, which we strive to develop in all CUSD students as they progress through school. When students cross the stage with diplomas in hand -- and with mastery of these traits -- we believe they will be uniquely prepared to face the challenges of college, career, and adulthood.
The character traits and soft skills that comprise our Graduate Profile may be acquired by children at an early age. So we start in elementary school to make Graduate Profile practices a vital part of our culture and curriculum. Each elementary school engages in its own unique set of activities and specialties to promote Graduate Profile characteristics. Here are examples of the ideal student envisioned in the Profile and some ways our schools try to make that student a reality.
Effective Communicator & Collaborator: Graduates convey their thoughts and responses clearly. They interact productively to achieve common goals.
At Buena Vista Elementary, teachers guide students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing clearly, and in practicing effective teamwork. Students enjoy engaging in conversations about the topics they are learning, and convey their thoughts and responses clearly when doing so.
Critical Thinker: Graduates are inquisitive. They notice; they wonder; they figure things out.
Pacific Rim second graders learn to think like scientists by studying the scientific method in the laboratory -- making a hypothesis, gathering information, conducting an experiment, observing results, and sharing their conclusions. Kindergarten students participate in Innovation Day, where they get to use their imagination to create something that did not exist before.
Lifelong Learner: Graduates have the passion and vigor for learning that will fuel them through new opportunities and challenges.
In the AVID program at Poinsettia and Aviara Oaks Elementary, students are learning organizational skills, note-taking, questioning, time management, and public speaking. These skills promote responsibility and success in life and in the world of work.
College & Career Ready Scholar: Graduates navigate pathways that connect education and employment to a fulfilling, financially secure life.
At Calavera Hills Elementary, Project Lead the Way supports the development of skills students need to thrive. Engaging activities, grounded in the principles of design thinking, provide a platform for teamwork, discussion, reflection, and a connection to the world around them.
At Jefferson Elementary, the International Baccalaureate program involves students in studying real world, relevant themes, and exercising higher-order thinking in a challenging environment.
Ethical & Responsible Citizen: Graduates display integrity and civic mindedness. They honor their commitments and aspire to the highest standards.
Kelly Elementary believes that preparing children for life success lies in creating a foundation of treating others kindly. As a proud founding school for the Great Kindness Challenge, Kelly students are reminded, encouraged, and supported in doing good things for others every moment of every day.
Self-Directed Individual: Graduates accept responsibility for their learning. They recognize their strengths and work to their full potential.
Through Project-Based Learning and design thinking, students at Magnolia Elementary continue to hone skills of collaboration, communication, and creative innovation. The use of real-world questions and problems help to drive meaningful and relevant instruction as students prepare themselves to be the innovators of the future upon graduation.
The Hope Elementary School faculty decided to have each grade level focus on one trait from the Graduate Profile. The teachers emphasize and reinforce these profiles in their daily work and activities: Kindergarten (Lifelong Learner); 1st grade (Self-Directed Individual); 2nd grade (Ethical and Responsible Citizen), 3rd grade (Effective Communicator and Collaborator); 4th grade (Critical Thinker), and 5th grade (College and Career Ready Scholar).
By working purposefully to instill the Graduate Profile traits in our students, our elementary schools are educating students based on an innovative academic foundation that supports building blocks of good character and successful behaviors that will serve them well in their future lives and careers.
