Cassville R-IV School District

In an effort to evaluate current job skills and strengthen workforce development in our community, educators, parents, employers, alumni, students, and community members across Barry County have come together to discuss how best to prepare graduates for a successful future.

As part of this initiative, school districts in Exeter, Cassville, Purdy, Shell Knob, Southwest, and Wheaton launched a county-wide survey to assess the key skills and attributes needed for student success.

With approximately 400 completed surveys collected, the results provided valuable insights into both the strengths of current graduates and areas for further development.

The survey revealed that Barry County graduates excel in community involvement, technology, understanding the value of family and community, work ethic, and communication skills. Additionally, the results emphasized the community’s aspirations for graduates to pursue higher education, remain in the community for employment, sustain meaningful careers, and adapt to a changing workforce. Key skills identified for future success included critical thinking, financial literacy, face-to-face communication, and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

A common theme throughout the survey was the importance of work ethic, dedication, coachability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These findings have guided the Portrait of a Graduate Committee in identifying six key attributes that will shape Barry County school districts’ approach to student preparation for life beyond high school. This county-wide vision ensures that all students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive, no matter the path they choose after graduation. Six key attributes are as follows:

• Collaborator: An effective collaborator learns from and contributes to the learning of others white working towards a common goal.
•  Communicator: Shares ideas clearly and effectively while also being an active listener, keeping the audience and purpose in mind.
• Integrity: Doing the right thing when nobody's watching.
• Neighbor: A good neighbor is someone who is kind, considerate, and respectful, fostering a sense of community and offering a helping hand when needed.
• Problem Solver: A problem solver identifies challenges, evaluates solutions, and makes thoughtful choices to resolve issues with determination, grit and strong work ethic.
• Real World Learning: A real-world learning applies practical knowledge and digital skills to solve real-life problems and views challenges as opportunities.

This effort was facilitated by the Agency for Teaching, Leading, and Learning (ATLL). In addition to leading discussions, ATLL played a critical role in evaluating survey data and providing research-based insights to help guide local school districts in shaping their educational strategies.

Barry County educators are committed to making this vision a reality by integrating these attributes into their educational practices. This collaborative effort emphasizes the dedication of our local schools and community to building a strong, adaptable, and skilled workforce for the future.