A shared vision of the life ready competencies every student will develop throughout their K – 12 experience
West Allegheny Leads the Way with Its Portrait of a Graduate
A shared vision of the life ready competencies every student will develop throughout their K – 12 experience
PHOTO CREDIT: BLINK OF AN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY. est Allegheny
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Every West Allegheny graduate receives a transcript— a record of courses completed, credits earned, and academic accomplishments. But a transcript alone cannot capture everything students need to thrive after graduation.
What should someone expect when they hire, teach, coach, serve alongside, or work with a West Allegheny graduate?
That question is at the heart of West Allegheny School District’ s Portrait of a Graduate: a shared vision of the life ready competencies every student will develop throughout their K – 12 experience. The Portrait of a Graduate goes beyond what students know. It defines who they will become and what they should be prepared to do. Developed through collaboration across the district, the Portrait identifies seven life ready competencies designed to prepare a student not simply for graduation, but for their future career and life.
The Life Ready Competencies That Define a West Allegheny Graduate Resilient
Life rarely follows a perfectly planned path. Graduates need the confidence and determination to navigate challenges, learn from setbacks, and continue moving forward. Resilience prepares students to persevere when circumstances change or success does not come easily.
Critical & Innovative Thinker In a world where information is abundant and challenges are increasingly complex, students must do more than recall information. They need to question, analyze, solve problems, generate ideas, and approach challenges with curiosity and a growth mindset.
Resourceful, Adaptable & Collaborative
The future will require graduates to navigate change, identify resources, work effectively with others, and contribute toward shared goals. Whether in a classroom, workplace, military unit, college campus, or community, success increasingly depends on the ability to adapt and collaborate.
Empathetic
Success is not measured only by individual accomplishment. Graduates need to understand others, demonstrate compassion and kindness, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to environments where people feel valued and a sense of belonging.
Technologically Literate & Responsible
Technology is transforming how people learn, communicate, create, and work. Graduates must be prepared not simply to use technology, but to use it thoughtfully and responsibly— to evaluate information, leverage emerging tools, communicate effectively, develop solutions, and make sound decisions in a rapidly changing digital world.
Globally Minded Citizen
West Allegheny students are members of both a local community and an increasingly interconnected world. Graduates should value every voice, respect different
22 WEST ALLEGHENY