The Good Citizen: What every high school graduate should know, value and be able to do.Ā
As a high school student, you have information thrown at you daily and you have to sift through and figure out what the most important stuff is. This can be an overwhelming process and Iām here to break down some of the knowledge, skills and values you should have by the time you graduate. Or at least give you my humble opinion of what I think you should have by the time you finish high school.
Letās start off with skillsā¦
As an educator, I cannot deny that it is incredibly important to have reading, writing and basic math skills. These skills empower you to navigate and succeed in all areas of life. Being able to read enables critical thinking skills, comprehension and successful communication and gives you the ability to engage with a variety of information. Having writing skills enables you to clearly express your ideas and thoughts, which enhances your ability to communicate. Math is a universal language for decision-making, problem-solving and reasoning and having math skills enables you to analyze situations to make informed choices. Together, these three skills make up the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
It is vital to have critical thinking skills as they enable you to analyze information and make well-informed decisions. The ability to communicate, be adaptable and work in team environments are also important to have. Effective communication promotes the exchange of ideas, promotes understanding and encourages teamwork. Being adaptable allows you to be resilient, navigate change and embrace new perspectives.
Moving on to the knowledge you should haveā¦
Political literacy is important for you to have as it empowers you to understand how governments function, make informed decisions and actively participate in shaping your future and the future of your society.
It is important for you to have financial literacy so that you can make sound financial decisions in order to establish the foundation for a secure future.
Having knowledge on morals and ethics is important as a high school student because it provides a moral compass, guiding you to make principled decisions, cultivate empathy, and contribute positively to your communities and the broader society.
Media and information literacy is important to have as it enables you to critically evaluate sources, navigate the vast digital landscape, and empowers you to make informed decisions in an era of pervasive information.
Having knowledge on social and emotional learning fosters self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence, equipping you with the tools needed to navigate relationships, manage stress, and thrive academically and personally.
Lastly, letās talk about valuesā¦
Values serve as guiding principles, shaping your decisions and actions and provide a moral foundation that contributes to personal integrity and ethical conduct. Additionally, values foster a sense of identity and purpose, facilitating meaningful connections with others and contributing to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
The image below explains what values you should have by the end of your high school career.















