Introduction
Much work and thought went into the development of this document. At the beginning there were two possible approaches: to develop a document of graduate outcomes that all students should achieve, or to develop a document of the ideal graduate. The committee chose the second approach. This document then represents the ideal of what we hope our graduates will look like. A concern from the outset is that this document not be a legalistic document or a one that turns RVA into a factory producing exactly the same product repeatedly. To that end the following statements where made about what the ‘Graduate Profile' is and is not.
The ‘Graduate Profile' is:
- An ideal toward which we direct the student.
- A tool to assess the extent to which we are accomplishing our vision.
The ‘Graduate Profile' is not:
- A graduation requirement.
- A cookie cutter.
- A tool to pass judgment on individual students.
- A student self-assessment standard.
Recognizing that achieving this profile in the lives of the RVA students is an impossible task, we make the following disclaimer.
"We rejoice that ultimately the spiritual success of our students does not rest in our hands but is determined by the will and work of God"
The Graduate Profile Outcomes
A. Graduate of RVA will have a clear understanding of the essential truths of the Christian faith as laid out in the Scriptures, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ and the transformed life that results from a right relationship with Him.
B. Graduate of RVA will have completed a high school education consistent with a Christian worldview and will demonstrate the skills necessary for life-long learning.
C. Graduates of RVA will be emotionally well-balanced, able to relate productively towards others, and will practice habits necessary for maintaining physical health.
D. Graduates of RVA will have participated in activities that enhance the ability to interact within our global society in ways that glorify God.
A. Graduate of RVA will have a clear understanding of the essential truths of the Christian faith as laid out in the Scriptures, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ and the transformed life that results from a right relationship with Him.
Students will:
- Clearly understand the gospel message of salvation.
- Recognize that according to Scripture man's purpose in life is to glorify God with an emphasis on the spiritual condition of the heart rather than merely displaying a given set of external actions.
- Articulate their spiritual convictions and the basis for these.
- Practice personal disciplines that contribute to spiritual growth.
- Develop relations with spiritual mentors.
- Voluntarily participate in spiritual fellowship regularly.
- Voluntarily participate in spiritual ministry to others.
B. Graduate of RVA will have completed a high school education consistent with a Christian worldview and will demonstrate the skills necessary for life-long learning.
Students will:
- Read, write, listen and speak effectively in English.
- Develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques that enhance the ability to form logical conclusions and make informed decisions.
- Demonstrate the organizational skills and discipline necessary for effective work habits, whether working individually or in groups.
- Appropriately apply biblical principles and knowledge to facts, theories and ethical issues in all areas of education and life.
- Locate, manage and use informational and technological resources for data gathering, data processing/analysis and communication.
- Be aware of creative expression in the fine and applied arts, recognize their value and develop the skills for self-expression.
- Demonstrate respect for and knowledge and understanding of local, national and global societies, past and present, and the individual's role within these.
- Develop and apply necessary math skills for problem solving and the gathering, processing and analysis of data.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and science concepts, generalizations and theories, and apply them to scientific investigations, current scientific topics and the world.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate using a language other than English.
- Possess the knowledge and physical skills necessary to maintain personal health and to participate in recreational activities.
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate various academic disciplines.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to locate and evaluate vocational information for pursuing career options.
- Develop basic skills for independent and family living.
- Be academically equipped to continue education in English speaking institutions, particularly within the MK's passport country.
C. Graduates of RVA will be emotionally well-balanced, able to relate productively towards others, and will practice habits necessary for maintaining physical health.
Students will:
- Appreciate their uniqueness and biblical basis for their value as individuals fashioned in the image of God.
- Adjust socially, culturally and educationally to transitions between passport-country, parents' field of service and RVA.
- Process and express emotions (e.g. anxiety, love, loneliness, anger, disappointment) in a healthy manner.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs, opinions and concerns of others while holding to biblical and personal convictions.
- Demonstrate dress and behavior consistent with biblical principles and appropriate within the current cultural context.
- Relate to authority with understanding and respect.
- Respect the rights and property of others.
- Resolve conflict appropriately.
- Contribute to the well-being of others.
- Demonstrate self-discipline, dependability, commitment and self-evaluation in completing responsibilities.
- Display positive character traits such as love, integrity, loyalty, kindness, patience, joy and self-control.
- Maintain physical health by undergoing routine checkups and practicing good eating, exercise, hygiene and sleeping habits.
- Demonstrate appropriate etiquette and social skills, particularly within a cross-cultural, cross-gender and/or cross-generational context.
- Practice effective time management as demonstrated by diligent completion of responsibilities, balanced with time for leisure.
- Recognize and develop leadership skills.
D. Graduates of RVA will have participated in activities that enhance the ability to interact within our global society in ways that glorify God.
Students will:
- Recognize and practice prayer and a godly lifestyle as effective means of impacting the world for the glory of God.
- Demonstrate discernment and wisdom in making decisions while recognizing the need to seek God's direction.
- Participate in opportunities to positively influence RVA's rules, activities and ministries through the use of appropriate channels.
- Participate in simulations of the democratic processes.
- Participate in activities that support and encourage those inside and outside of RVA.
- Consider the influence current events have on the global scene and identify avenues for responding to such influences.
- Demonstrate awareness of the work God is doing around the world.
Completed June 1, 2001 by the Graduate Profile Committee and the 2001 RVA Staff
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