• IOWA CORE STANDARDS
• EDUCATOR RESOURCES
• PARENTS & COMMUNITY

Universal Constructs: Essential for 21st Century Success

• thoughtful questioning that challenges assumptions, promotes higher order thinking, leads to new insights and validates perceptions.
• metacognition that supports reflective practice.
• processes that analyze, select, use and evaluate various approaches to develop solutions.
• critical issues that develop innovative responses.
• analysis and synthesis of multiple sources and points of information.
• intentional use of disciplinary frameworks to analyze complex issues and information.
• suspension of judgment while collecting evidence to make determinations.

• negotiation processes that generate mutually satisfactory solutions.
• managing and resolving conflicts.
• interacting effectively with people of different cultures.
• selection and integration of various communication processes.
• integration of appropriate forms of informative communication technology.
• understanding the interactions among modes of communication.
• meaningful and engaging interactions.
• focus, energy and passion around the key message.
• navigation through nuances of effective communication.

• a disciplined process that includes skill, knowledge, imagination, inspiration and evaluation.
• capturing or collecting new ideas for current or future use.
• a combination of seemingly unrelated ideas into something new.
• a respectful exchange of ideas.
• engagement in formal and informal learning experiences.
• divergent thinking.
• entrepreneurial thinking that encourages unique thoughts and applications.
• a comfort level with open-ended challenges that reflect multiple approaches and results.
• reconfiguration of current thought within a new context.
• pattern recognition across disciplines that results in an innovative outcome.

• non-hierarchical leadership based on individual skill sets.
• respect for a complex process that requires individuals to contribute and participate in meaningful interactions.
• the belief that group synergy enhances productivity.
• understanding and application of effective group processes to solve problems.
• productive group interactions.
• respectful disagreement.

• engagement in innovation and creativity.
• intellectual agility.
• embracing change.
• expecting and accepting the emotions inherent in change while supporting those who are involved.
• respect for unique qualities of others and self.
• purposeful and thoughtful response to disruptions.
• acknowledging and responding to dissonance in productive ways.
• the potential for  positive and negative outcomes in risk-taking.
• proactive and reactive approaches to change.
• acknowledging ambiguity is inherent in a changing environment.

• the ability to acquire new learning on one’s own.
• application of appropriate processes and tools to facilitate task completion.
• self-sufficiency as required in a complex environment.
• identification of available opportunities.
• motivation and commitment to achieve.
• assuming leadership roles.
• building on prior learning and experience to apply knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts.
• self-confidence and self-respect.