In an ever-evolving world, the education landscape must keep pace, ensuring that students have the skills and mindsets necessary for success beyond high school. As The Hour reports, Norwalk Public Schools has embraced this challenge by creating the Portrait of a Graduate. This collective vision captures our community's hopes, aspirations, and dreams for Norwalk’s young people. This initiative, a true embodiment of community collaboration, defines every student's essential competencies to be Future Ready.

At Carver, we have always believed in the power of nurturing the whole student, and our high school counselors, dedicated to the success of Carver after-school students, embody this philosophy. Our methodology aligns seamlessly with the Portrait of a Graduate's core competencies, as we have long prioritized developing academic skills and the social-emotional growth essential for life beyond the classroom.

The Collaborative Journey

The journey to creating the Portrait of a Graduate was a comprehensive and inclusive process, initiated in December 2023 when a Task Force was formed. This diverse group included Cabinet Members, Norwalk Public Schools staff, community members, and Board of Education members, all working together to draft the initial vision. But this was only the beginning.

Understanding the importance of community input, Norwalk Public Schools reached out to key stakeholders to refine and perfect the Portrait. Over 4,060 students from grades 6-12 contributed their insights through a feedback survey, while another 470 responses were gathered from staff members, families, and community members. Additionally, focus groups involving over 180 participants further enriched the process, ensuring that the final Portrait truly reflects our community's values and beliefs.

A Research-Backed Vision

Throughout this development process, Norwalk Public Schools consulted child development research, literature on essential life skills for post-high school success, social-emotional learning frameworks, and academic standards. Collaborating with experts and other school districts, the task force ensured that the Portrait of a Graduate is robust and evidence-based.

Aligning with Carver’s Mission

Carver's commitment to student success is deeply intertwined with the competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate. Our programs have long emphasized academic achievement and the cultivation of critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and resilience—key components of the Portrait.

Carver Future Readiness Coordinators (full-time high school counselors) work closely with Carver after-school students, providing individualized support, paid internships, and much else that empowers them to navigate the challenges of high school and life beyond. By fostering these essential skills and mindsets, we prepare our students for graduation day and a lifetime of success and fulfillment.

Looking Ahead

The Portrait of a Graduate guides all efforts to prepare students for life beyond high school. It is a vision rooted in our community's collective wisdom and reflects our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

At Carver, we are proud to be part of this journey. We will continue to align our programs with the Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring that every student we serve is equipped to meet future demands with confidence and skill.

Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Norwalk's young people—one where they are truly Future Ready.