Inspiring the next generation of leaders in Baltimore City & beyond
City Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate is a shared vision between the district and the surrounding community, articulating our aspirations for all students in Baltimore City. The plan details how the district will provide resources, support, and opportunities to our students, putting them in a position to succeed during their time at City Schools and after graduation.
What you need to know |
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Phase 1: Evolution of the Blueprint for Success
The first phase, Portrait of a Graduate, is an evolution of the school system's landmark "Blueprint for Success" strategic plan, which details City Schools' strategic focus. This area outlines the areas in which City Schools will focus to prepare students for higher education and a family-sustaining career
Since the launch of the Blueprint in 2017, important lessons and insights have provided a fresh perspective on our efforts. In addition, the Board of School Commissioners has updated its strategic priorities and goals while the COVID pandemic helped fuel innovation to support the newest generation of learners better.
In response, school and district leaders, educators, and staff focused on updating the Blueprint for Success to better meet emerging needs and requirements.
This phase of the Portrait of a Graduate takes the DNA of the Blueprint to detail how the school system will provide resources, support, and opportunities to our students, putting them in a position to succeed during their time at City Schools and after graduation.
The foundation of the Portrait, based on the Blueprint, includes:
Who has contributed?
City Schools has engaged with the community in a collaborative effort to create a shared vision for our students. The Portrait Design Team, a diverse group of stakeholders from inside and outside the school system, and students from 12 schools have provided feedback and ideas to help shape the future vision for our graduates.
Phase 2 - Community vision for our students
Beginning in December 2023, the Portrait Design team has worked to define what skills and expectations our community wants for young people once they graduate from City Schools. Their work has focused on three questions:
What are our community's hopes, aspirations, and dreams for our young people?
What are the skills and mindsets our children need to succeed?
What are the implications of the learning experiences we provide in our schools?
The Portrait's final version will be implemented this spring, incorporating the district’s strategic plan and community input.
Phase 3 - Strategic Direction Launch
City Schools launched the Portrait of Graduate strategic direction and developed a core set of abilities that graduates must have to access higher education, have family-sustaining careers, and achieve postsecondary aspirations. The Portrait of a Graduate reflects the competencies our community believes will best serve our students as they develop into productive citizens.
Creative and innovative thinkers
Students will apply critical and open-minded thinking, informed by evidence, to create new or meaningful ideas to solve complex problems.
Responsible and global citizens
Students will contribute and act with empathy and integrity to improve the world by embracing diverse cultures and unique perspectives.
Effective communicators
Students will listen effectively to decipher the meaning and then articulate thoughts and information that leads to a productive exchange of ideas.
Confident
Students will utilize their learning to reflect on successes and failures, continuously improve, take initiative, and act with purpose.
Adaptable and flexible
Students will demonstrate agility and persist when there is ambiguity, criticism, or praise to reach workable solutions.
Anchored by three key pillars—Academics, Leadership, and Student Wholeness—the Portrait of a Graduate details how the district will provide resources, support, and opportunities to our students, putting them in a position to succeed during their time at City Schools and after they graduate.
Stay up to date with our progress!
This page will serve as the home base for the Portrait project, so be sure to check back often!
We are excited to have you along for this journey with us, and we’ll share updates here as they become available.