Let the Journey Begin. Journey to Success

Transforming The Student

Experience In JCPS

We’re on a mission to redefine student success by
focusing on each student’s journey as a learner.

flow of learning from Elementary to Middle to  high. interconnected lines point to images of elementary student to middle schools student to High school student.

K-4th Grades (Milestone Experience), 5th Grade (Defense of Learning), 6-7th Grades (Milestone Experience), 8th Grade (Defense of Learning), 9-11th Grades (Milestone Experience), 12th Grade (Defense of Learning)

Journey to Success

What is the Journey to Success?

Journey to Success is a developmental framework that defines Jefferson County Public Schools’ (JCPS) shift to transformational, student-driven learning. Created to empower students to explore their interests, showcase their learning, and develop the skills they need to thrive, Journey to Success builds upon the JCPS Backpack of Success Skills, which launched in 2018.

Key Components

The districtwide process for measuring overall
student success K–12 takes place at both transition years
and interim years, focusing on four key components:

1

Developing

Success Skills

We will focus on each learner's journey in developing the five JCPS Success Skills. These skills are essential for academic success, personal growth, and life after graduation.

2

Collecting

Artifacts

Students collect artifacts in the JCPS Digital Backpack to demonstrate their learning. Progress is tracked using consistent Districtwide rubrics.

3

Yearly

Milestones

Each learner will demonstrate their learning and growth in Success Skill competencies by doing a Mini-Defense, Student-Led Conference, or Exhibition of Learning in grades K–4, 6–7, and 9–11.

4

Defenses of

Learning

Students showcase their learning at key transition points—fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades—using artifacts to demonstrate how they have met five key indicators of success.

Success Skills

The Success Skills are a set of five competencies that each student in JCPS will develop throughout their learning journey. These measurable and observable skills are essential for academic success, personal growth, and life after graduation.

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PREPARED & RESILIENT LEARNER

Acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to adapt and thrive in life.

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PRODUCTIVE COLLABORATOR

Promoting teamwork and collaboration to achieve common goals.

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EMERGING INNOVATOR

Encouraging creativity and problem-solving to drive innovation.

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR

Building strong communication skills that are vital to success.

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GLOBALLY & CULTURALLY COMPETENT CITIZEN

Fostering an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives.

Let the Journey Begin. Jefferson County Public Schools Journey to Success

To learn more about Journey to Success, Download the Playbook.