In 2021, Gwinnett County Public Schools developed a new strategic plan, Our Blueprint for the Future. As we continue to shift our culture to one that is whole learner-focused, our efforts must be future-driven and prepare our children for an everchanging world.
A community-wide effort to create our shared vision for student success—the Portrait of a Graduate—includes the skills, competencies, and attitudes our community believes are vital for students to possess when they graduate. The Portrait serves as the “North Star” of Our Blueprint for the Future.
Our Blueprint is designed to ensure the Portrait of a Graduate becomes a reality by preparing each and every student for postsecondary and workforce readiness, ensuring that they will have multiple pathways to achievement. Our Blueprint in Action showcases tangible instances of Our Blueprint priorities and the Portrait of a Graduate’s core competencies occurring consistently across our district. Each month we’ll illustrate the actions and initiatives the schools in two of our clusters are taking to align with our strategic plan.
Join us every month of the 2023–24 school year to experience how our schools have been diligently weaving the district’s mission, vision, and strategic plan into every facet of our students’ academic experiences. We encourage you to follow along on this journey throughout the school year in our school and district newsletters, web features, engaging videos, and social media as we spotlight the practical, thoughtful implementation of our strategic plan within our schools.
Effectiveness
GCPS has a legacy of results and recognition that has cemented its reputation as an effective school system. In this new era, the district’s challenge is to sustain this legacy of performance while responding to the diverse needs of a growing community. In August, Mill Creek and North Gwinnett cluster schools showcased the work they’re doing to deliver effective learning, meeting students where they are and guiding them to achieve.
Adaptability
Developing adaptability—the ability to adjust to different conditions or circumstances—is key to ensuring that GCPS students and staff can learn and work effectively in a climate of ambiguity and changing priorities. In September, schools in the Collins Hill and Grayson clusters highlighted their focus on flexibility and creativity when acclimating to a variety of situations, so they can respond productively to feedback, setbacks, and adjustments. Students and staff members build confidence when working independently and within diverse groups, persevering to achieve success despite difficulty or opposition.
Empathy
Empathy, the ability to understand the feelings of another person, is the entry point towards creating an environment of belonging and safety, and to building the bridge to excellence for each and every student. In October, schools in the Duluth and Meadowcreek clusters shared their work building a culture of empathy for their communities, creating school communities where all students belong and can grow.
