Profile of the SC Graduate

The 21st century South Carolina student will have world class knowledge, world class skills, and the life and career characteristics to compete globally with any student anywhere.

The 21st Century SC Student

World Class Knowledge

The 21st Century SC Student will be able to compete in the core educational disciplines that prepare them for college and career.

It is important to adopt rigorous, grade-level standards in English Language Arts (reading and writing) and mathematics so that students are taught necessary content and skills to achieve at high levels. We want our students to be competitive on a global scale.

Did you know that U.S. students rank 11th in science and 30th in math across 79 industrialized countries around the world?
Source:
PISA

The 21st Century SC Student will be prepared for the next generation of jobs.

Creating opportunities for students in STEM, social sciences and language arts is critical to ensure that U.S. students and the American workforce have the skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

Global opportunities require global learners. Languages and a global perspective help students succeed in a global economy.

Did you know that about 3 million high-paying jobs go unfilled in this country because Americans lack the basic technical skills to fill them?
Source:
Forbes

World Class Skills

The 21st Century SC Student will be an explorer. She’ll embrace creativity and innovation as tools for positive change.

Innovation and creativity drive economic growth. With creativity, students become better problem solvers and outside-the-box thinkers … which prepares them to tackle the problems society hasn’t even thought of yet.

Did you know that approximately 50% of our country’s annual GDP growth is attributed to increases in innovation?
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Rock Climber
Think Critically

The 21st Century SC Student will think for himself. He’ll ask questions, think critically and formulate original solutions.

Because problem-solving is a universal job skill that applies to every company, every position and every industry.


Did you know
employers cite “problem solving” as one of five critical skills new graduates are lacking?

Source: Future Workplace

The 21st Century SC Student will thrive in collaborative and team environments.

In the economy of the future, students that can harness the power of different perspectives, skills and experiences will be better prepared to solve the new problems of the day. The ability to work in groups, manage social/professional networks and build teams critical to solving problems is a defining skill in the workplace of the future.

collaboration
technology

The 21st Century SC Student will harness the power of technology, information and media to be world-class communicators.

The ability to understand and leverage the power of technology is no longer optional. Neither is the ability to listen and communicate effectively. These are fundamental skills that will help the globally-competitive SC student succeed.

Did you know Before 2008, some of today’s most innovative companies like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram didn’t even exist?

Life & Career Characteristics

The 21st Century SC Student will be hard working, honest and stand on strong principles.

The combination of a strong moral compass and solid work ethic will allow our students to pursue their dreams with purpose. As our world becomes ever more fragmented and chaotic, the 21st century student will always know where “north” is.

The 21st Century SC Student will be a citizen of the world; understanding and thriving in a globally connected economy.

The world is more globalized than ever before, and the societies of the world are interconnected. Viewing opportunities through a global “lens” will help these future change makers broaden their perspectives and find success in the new economy.

The 21st Century Student will have the grit, determination and self-direction to overcome any obstacle standing in their path to success.

Research shows that hard work, perseverance and self-determination are far greater predictors of a person’s level of success than any other factor. If you have grit, work ethic and belief in yourself, you can win.

The 21st Century SC Student will thrive personally and professionally by respecting and leveraging his peers to accomplish incredible things.

Interpersonal skills are cited as one of the leading indicators of success in the workplace and is/are one of the core “soft skills” of this century. The ability to respect diversity in the workplace and leverage people creates incredible value.