Portrait of a Learner
Introducing a New Future for Oakwood City Schools
The world our students are entering requires more than academic knowledge. Today’s learners need to be:
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Critical thinkers and problem-solvers
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Skilled communicators and collaborators
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Adaptable, resilient, and empathetic
The Portrait of a Learner defines the skills and mindsets every Oakwood City Schools student should embody. It’s a community-driven vision that guides teaching, learning, and partnerships throughout Oakwood and will shape the future of our students in a rapidly changing world.
At Oakwood Schools, the Portrait becomes part of everyday learning. It shapes what and how we teach, how we measure and celebrate growth, and how schools, families, and the community work together to support students.
Portrait of a Learner Skills and Mindsets
While academic knowledge provides a necessary foundation, mindsets and skills represent a student’s ability to apply that knowledge in meaningful ways. Skills are specific, practical abilities, such as problem-solving or adaptation, while mindsets are broader competencies, such as critical thinking, resiliency, and empathy, that allow students to navigate complex, real-world challenges. By prioritizing these attributes, we ensure our learners are not just "test-ready," but future-ready.
RESILIENT LEARNER
- Responds productively to feedback
- Reflects upon their own personal journey to improve
- Accepts and adapts to challenges
- Embraces failure to move forward
CRITICAL THINKER
- Identifies, defines, and solves problems
- Collects, assesses, and analyzes relevant information to challenge ideas
- Understands how decisions impact other parts of a system
- Generates multiple solutions
TEAM PLAYER
- Balances personal goals with group goals
- Values the contributions of others
- Works cohesively towards a common goal
- Takes responsibility for actions
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR
- Seeks to understand
- Adapts to the needs of the audience
- Articulates thoughts through written, oral, and non-verbal skills
- Shares perspectives respectfully
EMPATHETIC CITIZEN
- Values diverse cultures and unique perspectives
- Seeks opportunities to serve the community
- Advocates for self and others
- Pursues an understanding of the world around them
Portrait Design Process
To create the Portrait, Oakwood took a community-driven approach, guided by national education consultant Marlon Styles. Our process included:
Step 1
Explore & Learn
A Core Team of students, staff, parents, and community members explored what a Portrait of a Learner looks like and how other districts have approached it.
Step 2
Gather Input
Your voice matters! We conducted surveys, listening sessions, and forums with our stakeholders to ensure the Portrait reflects the values of the Oakwood community.
Step 3
Craft & Share
With input from across Oakwood, the Core Team helped to create a clear, inspiring Portrait of a Learner for our district