Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Strategic Plan Portrait Of A Graduate topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews reimagined 'Portrait of a Graduate' and next steps to embed skills preK–12
Summary
District leaders presented a reimagined Portrait of a Graduate focused on observable interpersonal skills and returned recommendations for curriculum integration and a rubric that will let students reflect and set goals.
District leaders presented an annual strategic plan update and unveiled a reimagined Portrait of a Graduate intended to guide instruction preK–12.
Pam Lewis and Dr. Neal (lead presenters for the strategic plan implementation) told the Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education the reimagined portrait focuses on observable, measurable interpersonal skills—skilled communicator, effective collaborator, innovative and critical thinker, civic and global contributor, and resilient learner—and emphasizes embedding those skills into curriculum maps and lesson design rather than keeping them as a standalone statement.
Presenters said action teams worked across the district this year: 33 action steps were advanced and 21 active teams contributed to the six strategic goal areas. The district will open applications in July for additional action-team members to broaden participation. The implementation plan calls for development of a portrait rubric so students can reflect, set goals and receive feedback from preK through grade 12.
Specific near-term steps mentioned include expanding elementary counseling staff (a recommendation already submitted for the 2025–26 budget planning cycle), creation of a digital resource hub for family and community well-being supports, and the addition of two new pre-K elementary sites at Pawnee and Tomahawk as part of early childhood expansion. Presenters also said the district is exploring a possible bond proposal and that more detailed recommendations could appear in the third quarter of the upcoming school year.
Board members emphasized measurement and accountability. Several asked how the district will document and report student attainment of these interpersonal skills; presenters replied implementation now moves from design into curriculum cadres and program planning guides, and that measures may include embedding skills into course guides, program plans and postsecondary assets on transcripts.
Board members and staff also discussed artificial intelligence (AI) as an immediate strategic priority; Dr. Stubblefield said an AI-related work team will begin next year. The presentation included district-produced vignettes and videos that will show what each skill looks like across grade bands.
