Glenbard District 87 board approves 'Profile of a Graduate,' new mission statement

On Monday, Aug. 12, the Glenbard District 87 Board of Education approved Glenbard's "Profile of a Graduate," "A Glenbard graduate creates, collaborates, communicates, thinks critically, embraces diversity and is self-empowered." See Glenbard's "Profile of a Graduate" at www.glenbard87.org/profile-of-a-graduate/.

"Having a document that is visionary in nature and identifies the skills, attributes and competencies we want students to have - that's powerful," said Glenbard District 87 Superintendent David Larson. "It is our roadmap and will prepare our graduates for infinite possibilities."

Glenbard's "Profile of a Graduate" Committee, a group of 64 students, parents, community members, teachers, administrators and board members, met three times during 2019 to develop the profile.

As part of the process, Glenbard hosted a Thoughtexchange community conversation in November 2018.

Thoughtexchange, an online tool, captured the thoughts of more than 1,000 community members, parents, students and staff regarding what Glenbard graduates should know and be able to do when they graduate.

The responses ensured Glenbard's "Profile of a Graduate" reflects the community's perspective and expectations.

"We are excited about moving forward with work to support our 'Profile of a Graduate' and each of our students," Larson said.

Next steps include defining a greater purpose in curriculum and assessment outcomes and refining competency descriptors by subject area.

The Glenbard board of education also approved a new mission statement that complements the "Profile of a Graduate": We inspire and empower each student to become a critical thinker who engages as a global citizen.

The "Profile of a Graduate" committee, all Glenbard administrators and department chairs worked on revising Glenbard's mission statement. The process involved much discussion and several iterations.

Larson reviewed the "Profile of a Graduate" and new mission statement with all Glenbard faculty and staff members on Aug. 12.

"Our 'Profile of a Graduate' gives us a vision for what each of our students need to be successful in life," he said.