Ventana’s Essential Competencies on Elementary Progress Reports 2016-2017

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Demonstrates An Open and Inquiring Mind
  • Exhibits a positive attitude for learning
  • Contributes to classroom discussions
  • Appreciates the joys and challenges of learning
  • Demonstrates confidence in own ideas and work
  • Asks clarifying questions
  • Demonstrates and cultivates curiosity for a variety of topics
  • Demonstrates creativity
/ Constructs Meaning Through Critical Thinking
  • Applies new knowledge to unfamiliar situations
  • Makes connections between differing ideas
  • Integrates cross-disciplinary concepts and synthesizes information
  • Uses strategies and models to express connections
  • Debates ideas with peers in socially positive ways
  • Adjusts thinking based on new evidence
  • Uses evidence to support thinking
  • Comes to consensus during collaboration
  • Builds on own and other’s ideas

Communicates Effectively
  • Demonstrates the ability to make learning visible through the “100 languages”
  • Demonstrates the ability to express emotions and needs in a developmentally appropriate way
  • Is able to express ideas
  • Demonstrates confidence and pride when communicating ideas
  • Uses communication strategies to resolve conflict
  • Uses oral language to communicate effectively
  • Uses written language to communicate effectively
  • Uses collaborative language to complete a group task
/ Constructs Meaning Through Critical Thinking (cont. for upper grades)
  • Links facts to form larger understandings
  • Looks for patterns and systems to understand complex ideas
  • Understands abstract and symbolic images
  • Suggests other options
  • Interprets information to form conclusions
  • Determines importance
  • Compares and contrasts ideas
  • Sets priorities
  • Contextualizes information and decisions

Perseveres Through Tasks and Problems
  • Analyzes tasks and problems to create a developmentally appropriate system, structure, or strategy to solve them
  • Works through tasks to completion
  • Seeks help when appropriate
  • Overcomes obstacles employing multiple strategies
  • Independently perseveres to complete a task
  • Collaboratively perseveres to complete a task
  • Maintains a growth mindset
  • Maintains focus on the task
/ Takes Risks
  • Accepts mistakes as part of learning
  • Celebrates mistakes as opportunities for greater learning
  • Tries new ideas and tasks
  • Understands the value of revision
  • Demonstrates a growth mindset

Takes Perspective of Others
  • Listens actively with understanding and empathy
  • Is able to see a problem or situation from multiple perspectives
  • Analyzes information received from others to expand understanding
  • Recognizes the needs and feelings of others
  • Shows sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others
  • Expresses the needs and feelings of others
  • Shows respect for others
  • Shows respect for materials and the environment
/ Is Reflective and Metacognitive
  • Uses past experiences to inform new learning
  • Uses understanding of “self” to improve academically and socially
  • Advocates for “self” in socially and developmentally appropriate ways
  • Thinks about own thinking in developmentally appropriate ways
  • Makes informed choices
  • Takes responsibility as a contributing member of the community
  • Utilizes constructive feedback to improve work and relationships
  • Exercises integrity honesty and fairness

Ventana’s Essential Competencies on Elementary Progress Reports 2016-2017

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