CUSD 200 considers adding 'health and wellness' to Vision 2030 portrait of a graduate; trustees seek clearer wording
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Summary
District leaders proposed edits to the Portrait of a Graduate for Vision 2030 — clarifying the 'problem solver' descriptor and adding a 'health and wellness' strand — and trustees urged more inclusive wording, clearer measurable strategies, and broader stakeholder input before adoption.
District administrators presented proposed refinements to the Portrait of a Graduate as part of the Vision 2030 strategic plan during the Jan. 28 CUSD 200 board meeting.
Presenters said the proposed edits aim to keep the district's existing descriptors while clarifying language that trustees and advisory groups flagged as vague. Jason, a member of the planning team, said the 'problem solver' descriptor was being revised to read: "someone who analyzes and evaluates information to find creative and ethical solutions within a dynamic environment," removing the original term 'independently' to avoid conflict with the 'collaborator' descriptor.
Trustees asked how word‑smithing would change classroom practice. Jason and other leaders said the change is primarily definitional and that the strategy phase of the plan would provide age‑level breakdowns and implementation guidance. Some trustees worried that removing 'independently' reduces emphasis on independent critical thinking; proponents said the revision recognizes collaboration while still expecting independent reasoning.
Administrators also proposed adding a 'health and wellness' strand to the portrait, explaining it as habits of physical activity, nutrition, substance avoidance, healthy relationships and positive mindset. Trustees and community members raised concerns about phrasing and inclusivity for students with special needs, and asked that proposed language be reviewed with special‑education stakeholders and made actionable with specific metrics and programs before it is adopted as part of the portrait.
Trustees suggested the district consider consolidating descriptors to keep the portrait concise, to ensure new strands are tied to strategy and measurable actions, and to solicit broader public input. Staff said the full strategic plan is scheduled for completion by the end of the school year and that the current discussion was an early step in that stakeholder process.