Portrait of a CUSD Learner

Defines the investigation and its purpose

Formulates open-ended guiding questions

Identifies a process to engage in

Collects and assesses relevant information from a variety of sources

Compares and contrasts varying perspectives and sources

Categorizes and sorts information

Analyzes, questions, and synthesizes ideas

Assesses the credibility and accuracy of sources

Interprets data findings to assess claims and arguments.

Recognizes personal biases and assumptions and those of others

Evaluates information, makes inferences, draws conclusions, and establishes patterns and connections

Formulates logical conclusions based on data, arguments, calculations, and/or justifies reasoning

Takes action by proposing solutions

Gives and receives feedback to strengthen their conclusions

Reflects and revises understanding or solutions continuously

Demonstrates creativity and imagination with ideas

Draws from a variety of sources to develop workable ideas

Asks questions to address goals, objectives, or challenges

Expresses creations in different ways, including but not limited to:

Original writing

Visual arts

Performing arts

Digital Arts

Is willing to take risks by creating new things

Understands receiving constructive feedback is an important part of the learning and design process

Accepts success graciously

Brings their unique voice and personality to the process

Shows out-of-the-box thinking to address inquiry challenges

Leverages technology in the process

Creates a plan to bring their ideas to life

Prototypes, tests ideas, and make revisions

Embraces and learns from failure

Seeks to understand each persons' experiences and strengths

Intentionally includes others

Asks questions about thoughts and feelings

Leverages the strengths of all participants

Encourages others to share their ideas

Is open to changing their mind and compromise

Resolves conflict respectfully

Shares their own thoughts and beliefs

Listens well to others, especially those with different views than their own

Seeks to understand with an open mind

Repeats the ideas of others and asks clarifying questions

Accepts their assigned role

Is accountable for their responsibilities

Provides constructive input

Stays focused on the topic

Sets short-term and long-term goals together

Evaluates the teams' progress

Learns about and recognizes social and environmental issues both locally and globally

Assesses the impact of these issues

Thinks critically about who or what is impacted

Develops a plan to respond to identified social and/or environmental needs

Participates in service-oriented activities

Considers innovative and alternative solutions

Asks many questions (Who, what, why, and how)

Seeks out multiple perspectives

Considers others' lived experiences

Researches reliable sources to learn about issues

Synthesizes what they have learned

Actively listens and receives feedback

Reflects on what others say

Advocates for change through their solutions

Articulates thoughts and ideas accurately and efficiently

Understands communication modes (oral, written, digital, and nonverbal)

Uses appropriate media and technology

Understands different types of audiences

Demonstrates clarity of purpose for the audience (Inform, instruct, motivate, and persuade)

Creates a responsible digital footprint

Utilizes digital tools to support an audience's understanding

Builds on the ideas of others

Presents differing opinions and viable arguments in a thoughtful and respectful manner

Provides high-quality feedback in ways that supports others' growth

Receives feedback and makes changes to thinking or expands understanding based on new information

States opinions in persuasive and articulate way

Makes claims supported with reasoning and valid evidence

Presents organized reasons and evidence to support opinions and claims

Listens with respect

Demonstrates empathy towards differing viewpoints

Asks clarifying questions to deepen understanding

Takes on risks and challenges

Asks for help when something is hard

Commits to completing tasks

Embraces failures as learning opportunities

Asks "Why", "How", and "What if?"

Attempts different solutions and approaches

Gets excited about new learnings

Strives for improvement

Listens to others

Asks for others' opinions

Accepts feedback and critique

Understands the objectives and seeks clarification

Sets realistic goals and creates a plan with clear steps

Gets started with minimal prompting

Reflects and revises along the way

Seeks out a trusted adult for support

Feels connected to others

Understands the benefits of balance between school life and personal life

Forms and maintains friendships

Connects with peers and adults

Shows kindness and empathy

Initiates conflict resolution

Is aware of physical and mental health

Understands the benefits of physical activity, sleep, and nutritious food

Understands the need to balance screen time with other activities

Avoids harmful behaviors

Is aware of their emotions

Is aware of other's emotions

Interacts with emotional awareness

Pursues activities they love

Tries new things

Seeks out others with shared interests

Has a positive self image

Self-evaluates their strengths and weaknesses

Sets goals and makes changes to improve

Advocates for their self

Takes on challenges