Graduation Requirements Study

Overview
PSD’s newly formed Preparing Children for the 21st Century Committee is meeting to study graduation requirements, focusing on standards that will help the 21st Century learner be successful. PSD is studying graduation requirements as part of the state’s efforts to establish new statewide requirements, which will be implemented for the freshman class of 2009.

See links to up-to-date information below, under "Ongoing Communication."

Committee
26-member committee comprised of PSD teachers, counselors, curriculum facilitators, administrators, representatives from CSU and Front Range Community College, and parent and community members.

Objective
The committee will develop a recommendation for PSD requirements based on district policy, state guidelines and input from Fort Collins’ employers, PSD’s pre-school through grade 16 (P-16) partners, and other local leaders.

Tentative Timeline, Committee Activities

Critical Background Information

Ongoing Communication &
Helpful Links

The 21st Century Committee will continue its work, meeting monthly.

Timeline
(Revised 11/08)

Committee Tasks Timeline (7/30/09)

The State Graduation Guidelines Development Council, part of Gov. Bill Ritter’s educational reform and a new state law, began a process in fall 2007 to solicit statewide recommendations. These recommendations will serve as guidelines when the State Board of Education approves new graduation requirements.

"We want to lay the groundwork for the skills and knowledge the 21st Century learner is going to need to be competitive in the global workplace," says Manny Ortega, assistant superintendent of secondary schools and committee co-chair.

"The work of this committee is essential to ensure that PSD students are prepared to succeed in a changing, knowledge-based, digital, global society," says Diedre Cook, Ph.D., principal at Fossil Ridge High School and committee co-chair. "We must define the 21st century skills in partnership with our business community and in conjunction with P-16 educators."

Superintendent convened a Pre-School through Grade 16 or "P-16" Council to increase collaboration between early education, PSD, and post-secondary partners Colorado State University and Front Range Community College (2006-07 school year).

Business Leader Advisory Council formed, began meeting fall 2007 to involve business and industry partners in determining skills and knowledge students need to be successful in the 21st Century workplace.

High school principals participated on a panel on today’s student demographics – challenges and opportunities, at a Business Leader Advisory Council meeting (fall 2007).

Board of Education convened "expert panel" to discuss workforce skills, one of five areas of focus in their Ends Policy, which states the areas of expertise all PSD graduates need to be successful (spring 2008).

Collaborative meetings were held between high school and college teachers in science, math and language arts. Two meetings were held during the 2007-08 school year.

Business & Education Summit convened by Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and PSD to increase awareness and discuss workforce skills students need to be successful, and explore partnerships (April 2008).

Committee Members
Meeting Schedule 2009-10 Meeting Schedule 2008-09

Proposed Graduation Requirements Draft

Meeting Minutes:
-February 20, 2008
-March 26, 2008
-May 29, 2008
-December 11, 2008
-January 15, 2009
     -21st Century Skills & Abilities
-February 18, 2009
-March 12, 2009
     -Four C's-As Is
     -Four C's-Future
-August 27, 2009
-September 3, 2009