A little over a year ago, Getting Smart partnered with Apex Learning to study what skills students need to truly be ready to face life after high school, whether in college, career, or just living as an independent adult. The resulting report identified 28 skills, which are summarized below.

  1. Critical Thinking
  2. Communication
  3. Growth Mindset
  4. Self-Directed
  5. Social & Emotional Skills
  6. Self-Awareness
  7. Relationship Skills
  8. Responsible Decision-Making
  9. Social-Awareness & Perspective-Taking
  10. Self-Management
  11. Problem-Solving
  12. Reflective
  13. Flexible & Adaptable
  14. Active Learner
  15. Nimble
  16. Resourceful
  17. Project & Task Management
  18. Articulate Strengths and Areas of Need
  19. Life Management
  20. Curious & Inquisitive
  21. Digital Citizens
  22. Innovative & Entrepreneurial
  23. Passionate & Positive
  24. Embrace Failure
  25. Analytical & Evaluative
  26. Grit & Perseverance
  27. Logic & Reasoning
  28. Cross-Cultural Communication

These skills are summarized and detailed in a helpful infographic that you can share.