28 Skills of a Really Ready Student Infographic

28 Skills of a Really Ready Student Infographic

College and career readiness has become a primary component of the national education agenda. Across the country, schools and districts define their success, in part, by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in higher education, on the job and in life. But what does a college and career ready student look like? It’s often what you can’t immediately see that shows a student is prepared for future learning and ready to meet 21st century workforce demands. Here are 28 skills that define who a really ready student is.

1. Critical Thinking

Able to apply tools and techniques gleaned from core subjects to formulate and solve novel and complex problems.

2. Communication

Clearly organize their data, findings, and thoughts in both written and oral communication.

3. Growth Mindset

Believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

4. Self-Directed

Monitor and direct their own learning, and able to take on projects and tasks independently

5. Social & Emotional Skills

Understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others.

6. Self-Awareness

Ability to recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior.

7. Relationship Skills

Ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups.

8. Responsible Decision-Making

Ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions.

9. Social-Awareness & Perspective-Taking

Ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others.

10. Self-Management

Ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.

11. Problem-Solving

Effectively solve problems by utilizing and applying appropriate strategies and skills.

12. Reflective

Reflect on their work and seek feedback and constructive critique to improve

13. Flexible & Adaptable

Comfortable with ambiguity and know how to adjust and manage change.

14. Active Learner

Active participants in their own learning and are constantly trying to explore, apply, practice, and confirm their understanding(s).

15. Nimble

Can navigate and flow between dierent learning environments with ease.

16. Resourceful

Seeks ideas and help from others, constantly looks to grow their networks, and always wants to find new opportunities and ways to connect with people.

17. Project & Task Management

Able to plan, organize, and manage their own time and projects in order to accomplish academic and personal tasks and goals.

18. Articulate Strengths & Areas of Need

Can identify personal and academic strengths, as well as areas to work on and improve.

19. Life Management

Able to take care of personal wellness and emotional health while while continuing to pursue academic goals.

20. Curious & Inquisitive

Asks questions about, investigates, and frequently explores new topics of interest.

21. Digital Citizens

An active and responsible contributor and user of technology, including social media and the Internet at large.

22. Innovative & Entrepreneurial

Driven by curiosity, new ideas, and a desire to make a lasting impact and sustainable dierence in the way people think, act, or behave.

23. Passionate & Positive

Finds joy in life and discovers personal interests and passions.

24. Embrace Failure

Realizes that failure is a part of the learning process and find ways to learn from the experience.

25. Analytical & Evaluative

Ability to weigh options and information to make connections, infer meaning, and determine the credibility or validity of a source.

26. Grit & Perseverance

Stays the course toward goals, despite the obstacles or adversity they may encounter.

27. Logic & Reasoning

Uses a rational, systematic series of steps based on information and experiences to determine a solution or conclusion.

28. Cross-Cultural Communication

Appreciation of and ability to learn from and work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

For more information, visit the Really Ready Students page.