At Butler Area School District, part of our mission is to prepare students to succeed in an ever-changing global society. As educators, we use multiple strategies to ensure each student has access to high-quality, innovative academic programming and learning experiences within a safe and nurturing environment that will ultimately prepare them for success after high school.

As the world progresses, the standards for what defines a success have shifted. With that shift comes a variety of perspectives regarding what it means to have a healthy and successful future.

The role of education has shifted beyond just teaching subject content to also teaching many skills that students need to have a healthy and successful future.

One way schools can help prepare students for success in this new world is by teaching them the skills and qualities employers and society currently value. For example, some of the skills and qualities currently sought after by employers include critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, communication and adaptability.

At Butler Area School District, we have created Portrait of the Graduate to help us prepare students for a healthy future and success after high school. The Portrait of the Graduate is based on input from students, parents and teachers, as well as community members and school board members; it defines the qualities and skills that the ideal graduate should possess. Some of these qualities include being a lifelong learner, being able to think critically and solve problems, being able to work well with others, and being able to adapt to change.

Following the creation of Butler Area School District’s Portrait of the Graduate, stakeholders came together to research best practices, conduct site visits to other schools and community businesses, and develop strategies that provide the instruction and support necessary for a student to demonstrate that they possess the competencies that define the portrait of the graduate.

By teaching students these skills and qualities, Butler Area School District is helping to prepare them for success in whatever path they choose in life. Whether they go on to college, enter the workforce, or start their own business, they will have the skills and qualities they need to be successful. Ultimately, it is our goal to ensure all students have the healthy future they deserve.

Brian White is the superintendent of the Butler Area School District.