Lifelong Learning

I am a lifelong-learner. I believe certain things are required of our students once they leave school that are very difficult to test but are of the utmost importance for us to teach. Here are the Albemarle County Public Schools' list of Lifelong Learning Standards copied from their website (http://www2.k12albemarle.org/acps/division/Pages/Lifelong-Learner-Competencies.aspx):

Lifelong-Learner Competencies

Lifelong learning places emphasis on results. To develop the skills and habits associated with lifelong learning, students must: learn beyond the simple recall of facts; understand the connections to and implications of what they learn; retain what they learn; and be able to apply what they learn in new contexts.

• Plan and conduct research.
• Gather, organize, and analyze data, evaluate processes and products; and draw conclusions.
• Think analytically, critically, and creatively to pursue new ideas, acquire new knowledge, and make decisions.
• Understand and apply principles of logic and reasoning; develop, evaluate, and defend arguments.
• Seek, recognize and understand systems, patterns, themes, and interactions.
• Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve new and increasingly complex problems.
• Acquire and use precise language to clearly communicate ideas, knowledge, and processes.
• Explore and express ideas and opinions using multiple media, the arts, and technology.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and respect for diversity through daily actions and decision making.
• Participate fully in civic life, and act on democratic ideals within the context of community and global interdependence.
• Understand and follow a physically active lifestyle that promotes good health and wellness.
• Apply habits of mind and metacognitive strategies to plan, monitor, and evaluate one's own work.

I was lucky enough to participate in a workshop with Dr. Pam Moran who is the superintendent of the Albemarle County Public Schools, and these standards totally reinforced my belief in the fact that it's no longer facts that should be the emphasis of education. It's the process that we must be teaching.

SLCSD, how do you get your students ready to be lifelong learners?