How do we begin developing the skills and dispositions described in a Portrait of a Graduate when students are just beginning their educational journeys?
This session explores how Harrison Central School District has brought its Portrait of a Graduate to life in elementary classrooms by connecting graduate competencies to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile Traits and Approaches to Learning. Participants will see how these frameworks work together to create a common language for learning and help students become increasingly independent, reflective, collaborative, and self-directed learners.
Through practical examples from classrooms and schools, participants will learn how competencies can be embedded into daily instruction, student reflection, literacy experiences, and school culture in developmentally appropriate ways. The session will show how the Portrait of a Graduate naturally highlights organization skills, self-management, goal setting, and self-monitoring, which help young learners build habits that contribute to long-term success.
Attendees will leave with concrete ideas for introducing and reinforcing Portrait competencies, engaging faculty and families in the work, and leveraging existing initiatives to create meaningful, authentic learning experiences that prepare students for success in school and beyond.
