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Portrait of a Graduate

Group of students from BW sitting on a mat waiting for teacher to read a book.

The Portrait of a Graduate is a foundational vision in the Downingtown Area School District, designed to ensure that every student is equipped with the knowledge, mindset, and essential skills needed for success in career, college, and life. It defines what DASD graduates should know and be able to do by the time they leave high school, aligning educational outcomes with the demands of a rapidly changing world.

This Portrait is important because it serves as a north star for instruction, student supports, and program design. It helps DASD answer the critical question: What do we want all students to become?

Downingtown Area School District:
Where every student is valued, engaged, and instilled with the confidence and skills for future success.

By clearly articulating this vision, DASD ensures a system-wide commitment to excellence, and readiness, so that all students—regardless of background—are prepared for one or more of the four E’s: Education, Employment, Enlistment, and Entrepreneurship.


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Cover of Strategic Plan Report

 

 

Milestone Experiences to Meet Requirements

Portrait of a graduate book

To ensure all students graduate with the Portrait's competencies, DASD has established key milestones across K–12 that act as checkpoints for growth and readiness:

  • Personalized Postsecondary Plan: Required for all students, aligned with at least one of the four E’s
  • Graduation Readiness Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and wellness through portfolios, capstone projects, or authentic assessments
  • Academic and Behavioral Growth: Evidence of appropriate annual growth in all subjects and movement within tiered supports
  • Community Engagement or Service: Participation in meaningful projects that show ethical action and civic responsibility
  • Health and Wellness Milestone: Completion of activities or reflections demonstrating awareness of personal growth, resilience, and wellness strategies

These milestones are tied to graduation requirements and strategic measures in the 2024–2030 DASD Strategic Plan and ensure that each student is not only academically proficient but holistically prepared for life beyond high school.

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The Portrait in Action