K-12 Student Competencies (Archived)

Student Competencies

Critical Thinking

involves using reasoning and criteria to conceptualize, evaluate or synthesize ideas. Students reflect on their thinking to improve it. They challenge assumptions behind thoughts, beliefs or actions. Students value honesty, fairness and open-mindedness.

Problem Solving

involves selecting strategies and resources to move from what is known to what is sought. Students analyze situations, create plans of action and implement solutions. They evaluate alternatives and their consequences. Students approach challenges with creativity, flexibility, and determination.

Managing Information

involves organizing and using information for specific purposes. Students access, interpret, evaluate and share information from a variety digital and non-digital sources. They are ethical and effective in how they use and share information. Students value reliability, validity and integrity of information.

Creativity and Innovation

involves generating and applying ideas to create something of value. Students recognize opportunities to apply ideas in new ways. They are open to and play with ideas, take risks and adapt to changing conditions. Students demonstrate optimism, initiative and ingenuity.

Communication

involves sharing ideas through oral, written or non-verbal media. Students engage in formal and informal exchanges with others. They consider how culture, context and experience impact messaging. Students demonstrate respect, empathy and responsibility when communicating with others.

Collaboration

involves working with others to achieve a common goal. Students participate, exchange ideas and share responsibilities. They respect competing views and nurture positive relationships. Students are adaptable, willing to compromise and value the contributions of others.

Cultural and Global Citizenship

involves actively engaging with cultural, environmental, political or economic systems. Students acknowledge First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Francophone or other perspectives when taking action on local or global issues. They advocate for the dignity and well-being of individuals and communities. Students value equity and diversity, and believe in their capacity to make a difference.

Personal Growth and Well-Being

involves managing emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual aspects of living. Students set learning, career or wellness goals and work toward them. They draw upon their strengths to develop interests, skills and talents. Students are reflective, resourceful and optimistic and they strive for personal excellence. 

questioning and analyzing evidence, assertions or assumptions

applying reasoned approaches or relevant criteria to conceptualize, analyze or make judgements

reflecting upon and evaluating reasoning behind thoughts, beliefs or actions

synthesizing thoughts and information to discover or extend understandings

demonstrating intellectual integrity, fairness and open-mindedness 

identifying what is known and what is required to clarify a problem

exploring problem-solving strategies using relevant information, resources or criteria

assessing options to generate courses of action

evaluating the impact of possible solutions to carry out the most viable option

approaching challenges with creativity, flexibility and determination

accessing information from a variety of digital or non-digital sources

synthesizing or organizing multiple pieces of information to enhance or clarify understanding

evaluating authenticity, reliability or validity to appropriately interpret or use information

using, sharing or storing information effectively and ethically

recognizing opportunities and imagining possibilities to apply ideas in new ways

exploring or playing with ideas, materials or processes to create something new

evaluating and adapting ideas, materials or processes in response to feedback or emerging conditions

demonstrating initiative, resourcefulness and perseverance when transforming ideas into actions, products or services

clarifying the purpose or intention of a message in relation to audience, context or culture

considering perspectives, emotions and experiences when seeking shared understandings

decoding and interpreting ideas or information shared through verbal or non-verbal formats

expressing ideas or concepts using appropriate language, conventions or protocols

demonstrating respect and responsibility when communicating with others

sharing responsibilities and supporting others to achieve a common goal

demonstrating sensitivity to diverse cultures, audiences or contexts when working with others

exhibiting reciprocity and trust when sharing ideas or roles 

valuing flexibility, compromise and the contributions of others to nurture positive working relationships

considering diverse perspectives when examining interactions between cultural, environmental, political or economic systems and communities

analyzing various ways in which decisions are made within cultural, environmental, political or economic systems

demonstrating responsible citizenship through actions that contribute to healthy and sustainable communities

evaluating the impact of decisions or actions on the dignity and well-being of individuals or communities

valuing equity and diversity and believing in the capacity to make a difference

identifying interests, values or skills to set learning, life or career goals

exploring, selecting or adapting strategies and resources that support personal growth in life, school or career pathways

making choices or taking action to promote the safety and well-being of self or others

building healthy relationships to support growth and well-being of self and others

demonstrating optimism, flexibility or resilience when adapting to new situations and transitions