Lehighton Area School District is exploring the implementation of a “Portrait of a Graduate” program, a 12 to 18 month initiative designed to collaboratively define the qualities and skills students should possess upon graduation.

The proposal, Superintendent Christina Fish said at Monday’s board workshop, aims to unify the district and its stakeholders in shaping a clear vision for student success.

The program, facilitated by Battelle For Kids, would involve a five-phase process.

Fish said stakeholders, including community members, parents, teachers, students, and employers, would be engaged in discussions to define the desired characteristics of a Lehighton graduate. Battelle’s proposal estimates the cost of this process to range from $33,400 to $37,800 depending on whether the district chooses on-site or virtual facilitation. Coaching support totals around $15,000.

A key objective, Fish said, is to amplify the voice of the community. She highlighted the importance of understanding “what our community wants for our young people.” She also noted concerns about retaining graduates in the local workforce, with the program potentially equipping students with “durable skills” relevant to a rapidly changing job market.

Employers, Fish explained, prioritize these adaptable skills over technical skills that can become outdated quickly. Citing statistics indicating that 44% of workers are expected to change jobs within the next five years, she underscored the imperative of cultivating durable skills that transcend specific job roles.

“We’re preparing children to be employed in positions that we don’t even know exist yet,” Fish said.

The program’s potential impact extends beyond immediate student success. Fish believes it can foster a stronger sense of community by aligning the aspirations of residents with the district’s goals.

“What does our community want?” Fish asked, referencing feedback from local businesses. “They want to develop skills in our youth so that they maintain the community from which they grow.”

Fish emphasized the need for a unified approach that transcends individual perspectives and fosters cohesion among various stakeholders.

“So often what happens in a district is that we have a tendency to develop silos,” she explained, referring to isolated departments and grade levels. “We want to start looking at what we do in third grade, for example, and how that impacts fifth grade.”

Board member Joy Beers expressed interest in exploring alternative programs, suggesting a different approach with a similar focus on college and career readiness.

The board is expected to vote on the proposal to implement the Portrait of a Graduate program later this month.