A college and career ready student is one who is equipped with a specific set of skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of the 21st Century. These skills and knowledge come from five main categories:

Academic and Content Knowlege

This category includes compentency in the core subjects and their applications.

• Proficiency in English language arts, literacy, math, science and social studies
• Capacity to process, retain and apply content knowledge in relevant situations
• Digital and technological savviness including understanding what resources are available and when to use them

Cognitive and Higher-Order Thinking

This category refers to the processing and interpreting of information.

• Independence in formulating hypothesis, critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning
• Ability to identify, analyze and evaluate differing or conflicting viewpoints

Social and Emotional Intelligences

This category encompasses a wide range of skill sets, which are often referred to as "soft" skills. These skills are learned throughout a student's life.

• Strong sense of self-awareness and self-management
• Social awareness including possessing a cultullay sensitive set of values, beliefs and attitudes

College and Career Preparedness

This category includes having knowledge of resources for life after school.

• Knowledge of college academic programs and the sequencing of college-level coursework
• Knowledge of exploration tools used to navigate roadmaps to higher education and career options
• Knowledge of college and career requirements, including financial support opportunities

Employability and Life Skills

This category includes a wide set of skills desired by employers and expected of all citizens.

• Self-directed lifelong learners capable of ownership and accountability
• Ability to adapt communication toward a specific audience, task and/or purpose
• Time management, collaboration and teamwork, organization and intellectual openness
• Civic engagement and responsibilities of all citizens