The current TJHSST freshman application page names five Portrait of a Graduate attributes for the Student Portrait Sheet. There are five, not eight: communicator, collaborator, ethical and global citizen, creative and critical thinker, and goal-directed and resilient individual. FCPS also makes an important qualification: the SPS evaluates the broad skills, not every detailed bullet on the resource pages.
How the Portrait of a Graduate Connects to the SPS
FCPS says students completing the SPS will demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate attributes and 21st century skills. The admissions page lists the five attributes and directs families to the broader Portrait of a Graduate resources for deeper understanding.
The admissions page also says the SPS focuses on the broad skills, not every bullet on those resource pages. Students therefore should understand the ideas without trying to quote a checklist. The official pages define the attributes; the brief notes below are plain-language distinctions, not an FCPS scoring rubric or a TJTestPrep diagnostic.
1. Communicator
Official meaning: FCPS describes communicators as students who respectfully listen and share thoughts, feelings, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. The related skills include reading to learn, listening to understand, speaking for different purposes, writing for distinct audiences, and using technology to exchange ideas when appropriate.
In plain English: Naming communication is less useful than making the student’s part in the exchange clear.
2. Collaborator
Official meaning: FCPS connects collaboration to respecting other people’s thinking, working productively toward common goals, considering varied viewpoints, and giving or receiving helpful feedback.
In plain English: A group result alone does not explain the student’s contribution to shared work.
3. Ethical and Global Citizen
Official meaning: FCPS describes this attribute through responsible and ethical action, understanding diverse perspectives and cultures, helping the community, considering environmental impact, and recognizing rights and responsibilities.
In plain English: This attribute is about responsible choices and awareness, not simply a total number of service hours.
4. Creative and Critical Thinker
Official meaning: FCPS includes creating through design processes, solving problems, applying learning in new ways, expressing ideas meaningfully, evaluating sources for validity and impact, and using evidence to support thinking.
In plain English: A difficult project is not enough by itself; the student’s reasoning is the important part.
5. Goal-Directed and Resilient Individual
Official meaning: FCPS connects this attribute to healthy choices, difficult problem-solving, managing time and resources, recognizing strengths and growth, and self-advocacy.
In plain English: Resilience is more than enduring difficulty; it includes responding thoughtfully when a plan is not working.
What If One Experience Shows Several Skills?
That is normal. A team project can involve communication, collaboration, critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and resilience. The task should determine which part of the experience receives attention.
Do not name every attribute to prove breadth. Select the details that answer the question and explain the most relevant decisions. A focused response can reveal several qualities without turning into a list of labels.
Where Students Can Find Honest Evidence
The official Portrait of a Graduate page says students use these skills at school, at home, with friends, in extracurricular activities, and in community life. FCPS does not state that an SPS example must come from a STEM activity or formal leadership role. Students should follow the task presented and use an experience they can explain truthfully. The complete SPS guide provides a high-level preparation overview without prewriting answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Portrait of a Graduate attributes does FCPS list for the SPS?
The current TJHSST freshman application page lists five: collaborator, communicator, creative and critical thinker, ethical and global citizen, and goal-directed and resilient individual.
Does the SPS evaluate every bullet on the FCPS skill pages?
FCPS explicitly says the SPS evaluates the broad skills, not every listed bullet. The detailed Portrait of a Graduate pages provide context and examples for understanding the five attributes.
Does a student need a separate experience for every attribute?
FCPS does not publish that requirement. Real experiences often involve several attributes. The student should follow the task presented and focus on the evidence that answers it most directly.
Can non-STEM experiences demonstrate Portrait of a Graduate skills?
The official FCPS framework applies at school, at home, with friends, in extracurricular activities, and in community life. FCPS does not state that SPS evidence must be STEM-based, but students should follow the task and instructions they receive.
Sources and Independence
Source note: This guide was prepared using FCPS TJHSST Freshman Application Process, FCPS Portrait of a Graduate, FCPS Communicator, FCPS Collaborator, FCPS Ethical and Global Citizen, FCPS Creative and Critical Thinker, FCPS Goal-Directed and Resilient Individual. Official FCPS notices and applicant instructions control if they differ from this summary.
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