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By Dr. Klint W. Willert,
PAS superintendent of schools
Looking at the calendar, we know that graduation season is not far off. As we start to prepare for graduation here in the Pipestone Area Schools, we are also starting an important community-wide conversation about the education of our students into the future. What do we want for our children when they walk across the graduation stage? A diploma, yes—but more than that, we want confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world. That vision is at the heart of an exciting initiative taking shape in our school district: the Portrait of a Graduate.
The Portrait of a Graduate is much more than a document or a slogan. Rather, the Portrait of a Graduate is a community-driven vision that outlines the knowledge, skills, and character traits we want our Pipestone Area School students to have in order to succeed in life. It reflects what we, as an entire community, believe every graduate should represent when they graduate from Pipestone. Furthermore, the Portrait of a Graduate will help define a course of action on how we educate, support, and empower our students from pre-kindergarten to senior year during their time at Pipestone Area Schools.
Why it matters
We know our world is more connected then ever and we live in a world that is constantly changing. Feedback from employers and colleges alike tell us that organizations are seeking individuals who are motivated independently, can think critically, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, and adapt quickly. We know that academic achievement is still essential, but so are core competencies and life skills such as communication, resilience, empathy, and leadership.
As we work together to define the Portrait of a Graduate, we hope to capture these community priorities and provide our schools a “north star” to align instruction, programs, and partnerships around. It’s about helping students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and develop the skills they’ll need to be successful in both their careers and their communities.
Bringing the vision to life
While this may sound lofty, in the months and years to come, you will see how this vision will come to life in the classrooms and hallways of Pipestone Area Schools. Exciting educational enhancements to support how student learning happens in our district may include:
•Competency-Based Learning: Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, students will have the ability to demonstrate mastery of essential skills and concepts in ways that are aligned to the core competencies in the Portrait of a Graduate that are personal and meaningful to them. This effort allows for more flexibility by teachers, deeper understanding by students, and greater engagement in learning throughout the community.
•Personalized Options in Learning: If you have been around kids, it is easy to see that every student is unique. The teaching and learning experiences in our schools should reflect that reality. By tailoring instructional experiences to students’ aptitudes, interests, and goals, we can help each child discover their purpose and potential.
•Real-World Connections: We know the best learning occurs when learning is relevant and meaningful. The Portrait of a Graduate encourages the school district to create opportunities for students to connect what they learn in school to real-life experiences—through service learning opportunities, volunteer work, internship experiences, career exploration, and project-based work. All of these experiences improve engagement through improved relevance in the teaching and learning process.
A community effort
We would agree there is a great deal of pride in the Pipestone Area Schools. That is exactly why the Portrait of a Graduate must reflect our community’s voice. Teachers, parents, grandparents, students, business leaders, and civic partners will all play a role in shaping this shared vision. It is a commitment we make together—to nurture not just good students, but great people who can contribute to the success of the community where ever they may go.
This work, which is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education, started with a student and staff focus groups on March 19 and a community meeting on March 20. The school district partner, Knowledge Works, helped facilitate the meetings. In the next few weeks, the Pipestone Area Schools will be sharing a survey with the community to gather more input. We ask that you watch for the opportunity to complete the survey and provide valuable feedback on our Portrait of a Graduate efforts here in the Pipestone Area Schools.
By working together and focusing on the whole child and equipping students with skills that matter in every walk of life, we are investing not only in their success, but in the strength of our entire community. If you have questions regarding this work, feel free to contact the District Office. We are happy to help!