Goals

Creativity
Creativity incorporates curiosity and innovation to generate new or original thoughts, interpretations, products, works, or techniques. Creativity is nurtured, advanced, and modeled through numerous approaches, including inquiry-based learning, abstract thinking, and student-focused learning. Twenty-first century creativity reflects:
 * a disciplined process that includes skill, knowledge, imagination, inspiration and evaluation
 * capturing or collecting new ideas for current or future use
 * combination of seemingly unrelated ideas into something new
 * respectful exchange of ideas
 * engagement in formal and informal learning experiences
 * divergent thinking
 * entrepreneurial thinking that encourages unique thoughts and applications
 * a comfort level with open-ended challenges that reflect multiple approaches and results
 * reconfiguration of current thought within a new context
 * pattern recognition across disciplines resulting in an innovative outcome

Collaboration
Collaboration is working among and across personal and global networks to achieve common goals. It requires cultural competence and personal and civic responsibility in all environments. Collaboration also requires open and flexible approaches to leadership. Twenty-first century collaboration reflects:
 * non-hierarchal leadership based on individual skill sets
 * respect for a complex process that requires individuals to contribute and participate in meaningful interactions
 * the belief that group synergy enhances productivity
 * understanding and application of effective group processes to solve problems
 * productive group interactions
 * respectful disagreement

Complex Communication
Complex communication is based on the successful sharing of information through multiple means, including visual, digital, verbal, and nonverbal interactions. The message is purposeful, clear and concise leading to an accurate exchange of information and ideas. Twenty-first century complex communication reflects:
 * negotiation processes that generate mutually satisfactory solutions
 * managing and resolving conflicts
 * interacting effectively with people of different cultures
 * selection and integration of various communication processes
 * integration of appropriate forms of information communication technology
 * understanding the interactions among modes of communication
 * meaningful and engaging interactions
 * focus, energy and passion around the key message
 * navigation through nuances of effective communication

Iowa Department of Education Universal Constructs