1. Articulate the Abilities Needed
To begin, schools need to clearly articulate the abilities that they need to develop in students. For example, the Albemarle, Virginia, School District has identified a dozen "Lifelong Learner Competencies" that are the focus of practice in the classroom. They include things like
▪ Gather, organize, and analyze data; evaluate processes and products; and draw conclusions.
▪ Think analytically, critically, and creatively to pursue new ideas, acquire new knowledge, and make decisions.
▪ Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve new and increasingly complex problems.
▪ Participate fully in civic life, and act on democratic ideals within the context of community and global interdependence.
▪ Apply habits of mind and metacognitive strategies to plan, monitor, and evaluate one's own work.
