Designing the Journey of a Highlander
Designing the Journey of a Highlander
The Baldwin-Whitehall School District has the honor of cultivating the next generation . In order to support healthy , thriving graduates , we must have a clear picture of what a Highlander looks like so we can work toward that goal every step of the way . In the fall of 2023 , the District set out to clearly define The Journey of a Highlander . Through a series of meetings with members of the community , including district staff , teachers , parents , students , homeowners , elected officials , and community leaders , a Design Team worked to consider the needs of a changing world and articulate the characteristics of a Highlander . Together , they identified five core competencies : a Highlander is an adaptive learner , creative and critical thinker , and responsible collaborator who effectively utilizes empathy and communication . These fundamental traits will be embedded in the daily instruction in our classrooms . Jill Fleming-Salopek , Director of Instruction and Learning , Secondary ( Grades 6-12 ), shares , “ We have a unified vision around our strategic plan , but what does it really mean ? The Journey of a Highlander is a step the District is taking to make our goals practical and real . This creates a stronger and more unified focus .”
ADAPTIVE LEARNERS
• Respond productively to feedback , praise , setbacks , and criticism
• Actively seek new knowledge and be motivated to continue learning
• Understand , negotiate , and balance diverse views and beliefs to reach innovative solutions
• Recognize the value of growth from unexpected results and exhibit the curiosity to expand on new ideas
ADAPTIVE LEARNERS
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EMPATHY
• Seek to understand others ' feelings , opinions , experiences , and culture
• Empower the principles of respect , kindness , and acceptance towards others
• Care for the interest of others
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EMPATHY
JOURNEY OF A HIGHLANDER
ORESPONSIBLE COLLAB
RATORS
EATIVE A