LMNO PD · Global Literacy Framework ← Back to lmnopd.com
← Back to Big Picture

The 11 Literacy Domains

What each domain covers, why it matters, and all subdomains and elements — filterable and searchable.

Filter:
All Domains
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Embedded
🔍
Showing all 11 domains · 281 elements

Cognitive Literacy

Learning How to Learn
Intrapersonal
32 elements
▼
Cognitive Literacy develops the mental processes and dispositions that enable effective learning. It encompasses executive function, metacognition, self-management, growth mindset, and productive learning behaviors that support achievement across all domains.
Why It Matters

Executive functions predict academic achievement better than IQ. Metacognition enables self-directed, lifelong learning. Growth mindset increases persistence and achievement. Self-regulation skills transfer across all life domains. Learning how to learn is the most durable skill students can develop.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Executive Function and Processing 7 elements ▶
Attention Control
The ability to focus on relevant information while ignoring distractions.
Cognitive Flexibility
The ability to adapt thinking and behavior when situations or rules change.
Emotional Regulation
The ability to manage and modify emotional responses appropriately.
Inhibitory Control
The ability to suppress impulsive responses and resist distractions or temptations.
Processing Speed
The rate at which cognitive tasks can be performed accurately.
Task Initiation
The study and development of task initiation skills and understanding.
Working Memory
The cognitive system that temporarily holds and manipulates information.
Growth Mindset 7 elements ▶
Challenge Response
The ability to approach difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than threats.
Effort Understanding
Recognition that effort and practice lead to improvement and achievement.
Feedback Integration
The ability to use feedback constructively to improve performance.
Goal Setting
The process of identifying desired outcomes and creating plans to achieve them.
Intrinsic Motivation
The drive to engage in activities for their own sake, based on interest or enjoyment.
Mistake Management
The study and development of mistake management skills and understanding.
Purpose Development
The study and development of purpose development skills and understanding.
Learning Behaviors 6 elements ▶
Habit Formation
The process of developing automatic behaviors through repetition and consistency.
Learning Patterns
Understanding of personal preferences and conditions that optimize learning.
Practice Routines
Structured and intentional repetition of skills to build proficiency.
Skill Development
The systematic improvement of abilities through learning and practice.
Strategy Implementation
The application of learned approaches to accomplish tasks and solve problems.
Study Techniques
The study and development of study techniques skills and understanding.
Metacognitive Skills 6 elements ▶
Error Analysis
Examining mistakes to understand their causes and prevent future errors.
Learning Recognition
Awareness of one's own learning growth and skill development.
Performance Evaluation
Assessing the quality of one's own work against standards or criteria.
Progress Monitoring
Tracking and evaluating one's advancement toward learning goals.
Self-Reflection
The practice of examining one's own thoughts, actions, and learning processes.
Strategy Selection
The study and development of strategy selection skills and understanding.
Self-Management 6 elements ▶
Engagement Techniques
Strategies for maintaining focus, interest, and active participation in learning.
Organization Methods
Systems and strategies for arranging materials, information, and tasks.
Planning Systems
Methods for thinking ahead and preparing for tasks and goals.
Resource Management
The effective use and allocation of available materials, tools, and support.
Time Management
The ability to plan and control how time is spent on activities and tasks.
Work Completion
The study and development of work completion skills and understanding.
Standards Alignment: ISTE Empowered Learner (S1), CASEL Self-Management, SHAPE Responsibility (S5), P21 Learning and Innovation Skills
🎓
See Cognitive Literacy in action — the Portrait of a Graduate shows what "As a Learner" looks like at every stage, from a PreK explorer setting simple goals to a senior designing their own learning path. View the full developmental arc →

Information Literacy

Making Meaning from Text and Language
Intrapersonal
28 elements
▼
Information Literacy develops the capacity to comprehend, analyze, synthesize, and apply information from various sources. It includes deep reading comprehension, vocabulary development, understanding language systems, and information processing skills.
Why It Matters

Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading instruction. Vocabulary knowledge strongly correlates with academic success. Understanding text structures improves learning from text. Background knowledge enables deeper comprehension. Information synthesis skills are essential in our data-rich world.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Foundational Understanding 6 elements ▶
Comprehension
The ability to understand and derive meaning from text, speech, or other information.
Information Retention
The ability to store and maintain information in memory over time.
Knowledge Acquisition
The process of gaining new information and understanding through various means.
Knowledge Transfer
The ability to apply learning from one context to new situations.
Memory Systems
The cognitive processes for encoding, storing, and retrieving information.
Pattern Recognition
The study and development of pattern recognition skills and understanding.
Information Processing 5 elements ▶
Fluency
The ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with appropriate expression.
Information Mapping
Visual organization and representation of information and relationships.
Knowledge Application
Using acquired knowledge and skills to accomplish tasks or solve problems.
Recall
The retrieval of previously learned information from memory.
Synthesis
Combining information from multiple sources to create new understanding.
Language Functions 4 elements ▶
Descriptive
Text that creates vivid pictures through sensory details and imagery.
Expository
Text structure that explains, informs, or describes factual information.
Narrative
Text structure that tells a story with characters, settings, and events.
Persuasive
Text structure designed to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint.
Language Systems 4 elements ▶
Alphabetic Principles
Understanding that letters represent sounds and combine systematically.
Figurative Language
Language that uses words in non-literal ways to create meaning or effect.
Semiotics
The study of signs, symbols, and their interpretation in communication.
Symbolic Representation
Using symbols to stand for ideas, objects, or concepts.
Meaning Construction 5 elements ▶
Concept Formation
The cognitive process of organizing experiences into categories and abstract ideas.
Mental Models
Internal representations of how things work that guide understanding and prediction.
Schema Development
Building mental frameworks that organize and connect related knowledge.
Theme Recognition
Identifying the central ideas or underlying messages in texts and experiences.
Tone Development
Understanding and creating the emotional quality or attitude expressed in communication.
Vocabulary 4 elements ▶
Etymology
The study of word origins and how meanings have changed over time.
Morphology
The study of word structure including roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Multiple Meanings
Understanding that words can have different meanings in different contexts.
Semantics
The study of meaning in language, including word meanings and relationships.
Standards Alignment: Common Core ELA Reading (CC:ELA-RL/RI), ISTE Knowledge Constructor (S3), CASEL Responsible Decision-Making, P21 Information Literacy
🎓
Watch Information Literacy grow — from a kindergartener reading simple texts to a high schooler evaluating competing sources for credibility. The Portrait of a Graduate tracks this through "As a Communicator" and "As a Learner." See the progression →

Iterative Literacy

Thinking Critically, Designing Solutions
Intrapersonal
34 elements
▼
Iterative Literacy develops critical thinking, inquiry skills, and design thinking processes. It builds capacity for logical reasoning, evidence-based argumentation, creative problem-solving, and continuous improvement through iteration.
Why It Matters

Critical thinking is essential for navigating complex information. Design thinking applies to problems in every domain. Inquiry skills enable self-directed learning and research. Logical reasoning protects against manipulation and misinformation. Iterative processes reflect how real innovation happens.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Creative Development 6 elements ▶
Cognitive Flexibility
The ability to adapt thinking and behavior when situations or rules change.
Curiosity
A strong desire to learn, explore, and understand new things.
Expertise Building
Developing deep knowledge and skill in a particular area through practice.
Innovative Thinking
Generating new ideas and creative solutions to problems.
Original Ideation
Creating unique ideas that are one's own rather than borrowed.
Risk Assessment
The study and development of risk assessment skills and understanding.
Design Thinking 7 elements ▶
Audience Analysis
Understanding the needs, interests, and characteristics of intended recipients.
Design Refinement
Improving designs through testing, feedback, and iteration.
Hypothesis Development
Forming testable predictions or explanations that can be investigated.
Iteration Process
Repeated cycles of designing, testing, and improving solutions.
Problem Identification
Recognizing and clearly defining problems that need to be solved.
Prototyping
Creating preliminary models or versions to test ideas before final production.
Solution Generation
The study and development of solution generation skills and understanding.
Implementation & Evaluation 7 elements ▶
Continuous Improvement
Ongoing effort to enhance products, processes, or personal performance.
Effectiveness Assessment
Evaluating how well actions or solutions achieve their intended goals.
Impact Measurement
Quantifying and evaluating the effects of actions or interventions.
Outcome Evaluation
Assessing the results and consequences of actions or programs.
Performance Analysis
Examining and evaluating the quality and effectiveness of work or systems.
Process Optimization
The study and development of process optimization skills and understanding.
Quality Assurance
The study and development of quality assurance skills and understanding.
Inquiry Process 7 elements ▶
Assumption Identification
Recognizing underlying beliefs that are taken for granted without proof.
Classification Techniques
Methods for organizing items into categories based on shared characteristics.
Information Verification
Checking the accuracy and reliability of information from various sources.
Knowledge Synthesis
Combining information from multiple sources to create new understanding.
Question Formation
Developing meaningful questions that guide inquiry and investigation.
Research Methodology
The study and development of research methodology skills and understanding.
Source Evaluation
The study and development of source evaluation skills and understanding.
Logical & Analytical Thinking 7 elements ▶
Abductive Reasoning
Reasoning to the best explanation based on available evidence.
Claim Validation
Determining whether statements or assertions are supported by evidence.
Context Evaluation
Considering the circumstances and background that influence situations.
Deductive Reasoning
Logical reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.
Evidence Analysis
Examining and evaluating information that supports or refutes claims.
Inductive Reasoning
Logical reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions.
Logical Fallacies
Errors in reasoning that make arguments invalid or misleading.
Standards Alignment: NGSS Science & Engineering Practices (SEP), ISTE Innovative Designer (S4), CASEL Self-Awareness, P21 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
🎓
Iterative Literacy shows up everywhere in the Portrait of a Graduate — "As a Creative Thinker" captures how students move from exploring art materials in PreK to bringing original vision to complex problems by graduation. See the creative arc →

Communication Literacy

Expressing Ideas, Connecting with Others
Interpersonal
29 elements
▼
Communication Literacy encompasses the integrated skills of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and nonverbal communication. It develops students' ability to comprehend and produce language effectively across purposes, audiences, and contexts.
Why It Matters

Literacy is the foundation for learning across all subjects. Effective communication is essential for academic and career success. Strong readers become lifelong learners and informed citizens. Writing develops thinking and enables idea preservation and sharing.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Communication Context 5 elements ▶
Audience Awareness
Understanding who will receive a message and adapting communication accordingly.
Cultural Considerations
Awareness of how culture influences communication practices and interpretations.
Genre Conventions
The features and expectations associated with different types of texts.
Register
The level of formality in language use appropriate to different situations and audiences.
Style and Purpose
The author's choices in writing to achieve specific effects and goals.
Conventions 4 elements ▶
Grammar
The rules governing how words combine to form phrases, clauses, and sentences.
Mechanics
The conventions of written language including punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Syntax
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.
Text Organization
The systematic arrangement of ideas in writing using paragraphs, transitions, and structure.
Expressive Language 4 elements ▶
Articulation
The clear and precise pronunciation of speech sounds and words.
Discussion Skills
The ability to engage in productive conversations and collaborative dialogue.
Expression
The communication of thoughts, feelings, and ideas through verbal and nonverbal means.
Public Speaking
The act of speaking to an audience to inform, persuade, or entertain.
Nonverbal 5 elements ▶
Body Language
Nonverbal communication through physical behaviors, posture, and gestures.
Eye Contact
The act of looking directly at someone during communication to show attention and connection.
Facial Expressions
The use of face muscles to convey emotions and reactions nonverbally.
Paralinguistic Features
Vocal elements beyond words that convey meaning, including tone, pitch, volume, and pace.
Spatial Awareness
Understanding of personal space and physical distance in social interactions.
Reading 4 elements ▶
Fluency
The ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with appropriate expression.
Phonics and Decoding
The relationship between letters and sounds used to read and spell words.
Print Concepts
Understanding how print works, including directionality, spacing, and book handling.
Text Structure
The organizational patterns authors use to arrange ideas and information in text.
Receptive Language 3 elements ▶
Auditory Processing
The brain's ability to interpret and make sense of sounds and spoken language.
Listening
The active process of receiving, understanding, and responding to spoken messages.
Phonic Awareness
The ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words.
Writing Production 4 elements ▶
Cursive
A style of handwriting where letters are joined in a flowing manner.
Fine Motor
The coordination of small muscle movements, particularly in the hands and fingers.
Handwriting
The skill of forming letters and words by hand with legibility and efficiency.
Transcription
The physical process of getting language onto paper through handwriting or typing.
Standards Alignment: Common Core ELA (CC:ELA), ISTE Creative Communicator (S6), CASEL Social Awareness, C3 Taking Informed Action (D4)
🎓
Communication Literacy is the backbone of "As a Communicator" in the Portrait of a Graduate — from a preschooler telling personal stories to a senior who persuades, narrates, and listens across contexts. See every stage →

Cultural Literacy

Understanding Our Past, Shaping Our Future
Interpersonal
33 elements
▼
Cultural Literacy develops understanding of geography, history, government, and social systems. It builds knowledge of human cultures, develops voice and agency, and prepares students for active participation in diverse communities.
Why It Matters

Historical knowledge provides context for current events. Geographic literacy is essential for global citizenship. Understanding government enables civic participation. Cultural competence prepares students for diverse workplaces.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Cultural Engagement 4 elements ▶
Cultural Celebrations
Events and practices that commemorate cultural traditions, beliefs, and heritage.
Intellectual Pursuits
Activities focused on learning, thinking, and expanding knowledge.
Physical Recreation
Activities done for enjoyment and physical well-being during leisure time.
Social Activities
Events and interactions that bring people together for connection and community.
Environment 4 elements ▶
Climate and Weather
Atmospheric conditions including short-term weather and long-term climate patterns.
Landforms & Features
Natural physical features of the Earth's surface including mountains, rivers, and plains.
Natural Resources
Materials from nature that humans use for survival, energy, and production.
Physical Geography
The study of natural features, processes, and patterns on Earth's surface.
Government Structures 4 elements ▶
Branches of Power
The divisions of government that separate legislative, executive, and judicial functions.
Civic Participation
Active involvement in community and political processes to influence decisions.
Levels of Authority
The different governmental jurisdictions from local to national levels.
Types of Government
Different systems by which countries and societies are governed.
Historical Analysis 5 elements ▶
Cause and Effect
The relationship between events where one event leads to or influences another.
Decision Making
The process of choosing between alternatives to achieve desired outcomes.
Historical Debates
Ongoing discussions among historians about interpretations of past events.
Implications
The consequences or significance of events and decisions for the future.
Key Events & Turning Points
Significant moments in history that changed the course of events.
Human Geography 4 elements ▶
Cultural Adaptation
The process of adjusting to new cultural environments and expectations.
Environmental Impact
The effects of human activities on the natural environment.
Population Patterns
The distribution, density, and movement of people across geographic areas.
Settlement Types
Different forms of human communities from rural villages to urban cities.
Play 6 elements ▶
Associative
A stage of play involving interaction and sharing but without organized rules.
Competitive
Play or activities involving contests with winners and losers.
Cooperative
Play or activities requiring collaboration and working together toward shared goals.
Parallel
A stage of play where children play alongside but not directly with each other.
Solitary
Play or activities done alone without interaction with others.
Symbolic
Play involving imagination and pretending objects or actions represent something else.
Voice 6 elements ▶
Advocacy
Active support and promotion of a cause, policy, or group's interests.
Conflict
Disagreement or struggle between people with opposing needs, ideas, or values.
Independence
The ability to act and think for oneself without excessive reliance on others.
Influence
The capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of others.
Leadership
The ability to guide, inspire, and influence others toward shared goals.
Negotiation
Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between parties with different interests.
Standards Alignment: C3 Framework (Civics, History, Geography, Economics), ISTE Global Collaborator (S7), CASEL Social Awareness, ACTFL Cultures
🎓
Cultural Literacy runs through "As a Social Being" in the Portrait of a Graduate — from a preschooler playing cooperatively to a senior engaging ethically across difference in both local and global communities. See the full arc →

Civic and Social Literacy

Building Character, Strengthening Community
Interpersonal
22 elements
▼
Civic and Social Literacy develops the dispositions, values, and skills needed for ethical behavior, responsible citizenship, and positive relationships. It encompasses character development, social-emotional competencies, and civic responsibility.
Why It Matters

Character and ethics guide decision-making throughout life. Social-emotional skills predict long-term success and well-being. Civic knowledge and engagement strengthen democracy. Empathy and perspective-taking reduce conflict and division.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Accountability 3 elements ▶
Expectations
Standards of behavior or performance that are anticipated in various contexts.
Hierarchical Controls
Systems of authority and rules that organize and regulate group behavior.
Laws
Rules established by authority that govern behavior in society.
Belonging 3 elements ▶
Diversity
Recognition and appreciation of the variety of human differences and identities.
Freedom
The right to make choices and act without unjust restraint.
Inclusion
The practice of ensuring all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and able to participate.
Character 4 elements ▶
Grit
Perseverance and passion for long-term goals despite challenges.
Resilience
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt to challenges.
Responsibility
Being accountable for one's actions and fulfilling obligations to self and others.
Tenacity
Persistent determination to continue despite obstacles or opposition.
Citizenship 4 elements ▶
Care
Genuine concern for the well-being of others and acting to support them.
Concern
Interest in and attention to matters that affect others or the community.
Courage
The ability to face fear, difficulty, or uncertainty with confidence.
Response
Taking action in reaction to needs, events, or situations in the community.
Ethics 4 elements ▶
Equity
Fairness in treatment, access, and opportunity based on individual needs.
Justice
The principle of moral rightness and fair treatment in society.
Rights
Legal or moral entitlements that protect individuals' freedoms and interests.
Values
Core beliefs and principles that guide behavior and decision-making.
Perspective 4 elements ▶
Awareness
Conscious knowledge and understanding of oneself, others, and situations.
Empathy
The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Point of View
A particular way of considering or understanding something based on one's perspective.
Respect
Treating others with dignity and consideration regardless of differences.
Standards Alignment: CASEL Core Competencies, ISTE Global Collaborator (S7), C3 Civics (D2.Civ), P21 Life and Career Skills
🎓
Civic and Social Literacy lives in "As a Social Being" — from a kindergartener contributing to classroom community to a middle schooler understanding systemic inequity to a graduate participating in democracy. Follow the thread →

Entrepreneurial Literacy

Creating Value, Building the Future
Interpersonal
16 elements
▼
Entrepreneurial Literacy develops economic understanding, business acumen, and the mindsets needed to identify opportunities and create value. It prepares students to navigate economic systems, collaborate effectively, and develop entrepreneurial ventures.
Why It Matters

Economic literacy enables informed financial decisions. Entrepreneurial thinking drives innovation and job creation. Collaboration skills are essential in modern workplaces. Understanding business develops real-world application of academics.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Business 3 elements ▶
Corporation
A legal business entity owned by shareholders with limited liability.
Partnerships
Business arrangements where two or more people share ownership and responsibilities.
Sole Proprietorship
A business owned and operated by one individual with full control and liability.
Collaborate 4 elements ▶
Agreement
A mutual understanding or arrangement between parties about expectations and actions.
Invitation
Reaching out to engage others in collaboration, participation, or partnership.
Pragmatics
Practical approach to problems and situations based on what works effectively.
Transparency
Openness and honesty in sharing information and decision-making processes.
Economics 4 elements ▶
Allocation
The distribution of resources, time, or efforts among competing uses.
Consumption
The use of goods and services to satisfy wants and needs.
Investment
The use of money to generate future income or growth through various financial instruments.
Production
The creation of goods and services to meet demand and generate value.
Entrepreneurship 5 elements ▶
Branding
Creating a distinctive identity for a product, service, or organization.
Implementation
Putting plans, decisions, or ideas into action effectively.
Opportunity
Favorable circumstances that enable action or advancement toward goals.
Performance
The accomplishment of tasks and achievement of goals measured against standards.
Vision
A compelling picture of a desired future that guides planning and action.
Standards Alignment: C3 Economics (D2.Eco), ISTE Innovative Designer (S4), CASEL Responsible Decision-Making, P21 Economic Literacy
🎓
Entrepreneurial thinking shows up in the Portrait of a Graduate through "As a Creative Thinker" — from a first grader generating multiple solutions to a senior synthesizing across domains to create work that matters. See the progression →

Creative Arts Literacy

Seeing, Creating, Communicating Visually
Interpersonal
20 elements
▼
Creative Arts Literacy develops the ability to interpret, create, and communicate through visual media. It encompasses design principles, artistic expression, and media arts including photography, film, dance, music, and theater.
Why It Matters

Visual communication is increasingly dominant in digital media. Arts education develops creativity and innovative thinking. Design thinking applies across professional fields. Artistic expression supports social-emotional development.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Composition 5 elements ▶
Alignment
The arrangement of elements along a common edge or axis for visual organization.
Balance
The distribution of visual weight in a composition creating stability.
Emphasis
The use of design elements to create a focal point that draws attention.
Proximity
The placement of elements close together to show relationship.
Scale
The size of elements in relation to each other and the overall composition.
Dynamics 5 elements ▶
Contrast
The use of opposing elements to create visual interest and distinction.
Harmony
The pleasing arrangement of elements that creates a sense of unity.
Movement
The use of design elements to guide the viewer's eye through a composition.
Rhythm
The repetition of visual elements creating a sense of movement and pattern.
Variety
The use of different elements to create visual interest and avoid monotony.
Form 4 elements ▶
Shape
Two-dimensional areas defined by edges, color, or other visual elements.
Size
The dimensions of elements in a composition relative to each other.
Space
The area around, between, and within elements of a composition.
Volume
The representation of three-dimensional mass in visual art.
Media 6 elements ▶
Art
Visual works created to express ideas, emotions, or beauty.
Dance
Movement of the body as artistic expression, often to music.
Film/Video
Moving image media created through cinematography and editing.
Music
Art form using sound organized in time through melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Photography
The art of creating images by capturing light through a camera.
Theater
Performing art where actors present stories through action and dialogue.
Standards Alignment: NCAS (National Core Arts Standards), ISTE Creative Communicator (S6), CASEL Self-Awareness, P21 Creativity and Innovation
🎓
Visual Literacy feeds directly into "As a Creative Thinker" in the Portrait — from a preschooler exploring art materials with enthusiasm to a high schooler developing personal creative voice and taking artistic risks. See what this looks like →

Foreign Language Foundations

Bridging Linguistic Boundaries
Interpersonal
10 elements
▼
Foreign Language Foundations develops the foundational skills for engaging across linguistic boundaries. It builds phonological awareness, vocabulary, grammar fundamentals, and morphological awareness needed for multilingual communication.
Why It Matters

Multilingual competence opens doors to global communication and career opportunities. Language learning enhances cognitive flexibility and executive function. Understanding multiple language systems deepens literacy in one's first language.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Alphabetic Systems 2 elements ▶
Character Recognition
The ability to identify written symbols in a language system.
Writing Systems
The symbolic systems used to represent language in written form.
Grammar Fundamentals 2 elements ▶
Basic Syntax
The fundamental rules for arranging words into phrases and sentences.
Word Order
The arrangement of words in sentences according to language-specific patterns.
Morphological Awareness 2 elements ▶
Root Words
Base words from which other words are formed through affixation.
Word Formation
The processes by which new words are created from existing elements.
Phonological Awareness 2 elements ▶
Pronunciation
The way words and sounds are articulated in spoken language.
Sound Recognition
The ability to perceive and distinguish sounds in a language.
Vocabulary 2 elements ▶
Essential Phrases
Common expressions needed for basic communication in a language.
High Frequency Words
Words that occur most often in spoken and written language.
Standards Alignment: ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, ISTE Global Collaborator (S7), CASEL Social Awareness, P21 Global Awareness
🎓
Foreign Language Foundations connect to "As a Communicator" and "As a Social Being" — building students who adapt communication across contexts and engage ethically across difference. See the full portrait →

Mathematical Literacy

Building Quantitative Reasoning for Life
Embedded
31 elements
▼
Mathematical Literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to understand, apply, and communicate mathematical concepts across contexts. It extends beyond computation to include problem-solving, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and financial decision-making.
Why It Matters

Mathematics is foundational to STEM careers and everyday decision-making. Quantitative reasoning skills predict academic success across all subjects. Financial literacy is essential for personal and civic responsibility. Data literacy is increasingly critical in our information-rich world.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Algebra 3 elements ▶
Equations
Mathematical statements showing that two expressions are equal, often containing unknown values.
Expressions
Mathematical phrases combining numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign.
Operations
The fundamental mathematical processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and their properties.
Calculation 5 elements ▶
Addition
The mathematical operation of combining quantities to find a total or sum.
Division
The mathematical operation of partitioning a quantity into equal groups or finding how many groups.
Multiplication
The mathematical operation of repeated addition or finding the total of equal groups.
Proportion
The relationship between quantities that shows equal ratios or multiplicative comparison.
Subtraction
The mathematical operation of finding the difference between quantities or taking away from a total.
Computation 3 elements ▶
Abstraction
The process of identifying essential features while ignoring irrelevant details to create general models.
Algorithms
Step-by-step procedures for solving problems or completing tasks systematically.
Decomposition
Breaking down complex problems or systems into smaller, more manageable parts.
Finances 5 elements ▶
Budgeting
The process of planning how to allocate money between income and expenses.
Currency & Value
Understanding of money, its denominations, and concepts of economic value.
Investment
The use of money to generate future income or growth through various financial instruments.
Market Analysis
The examination of market conditions, trends, and factors affecting supply and demand.
Supply & Demand
The economic relationship between the availability of goods and consumer desire for them.
Geometry 5 elements ▶
Angles
Figures formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint, measured in degrees.
Figures
Two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional solids with specific properties and attributes.
Lines
Straight one-dimensional figures extending infinitely in both directions, or segments and rays.
Planes
Flat two-dimensional surfaces extending infinitely in all directions.
Points
Exact locations in space with no size, represented as coordinates on a plane or in space.
Numeracy 4 elements ▶
Estimation
The skill of making reasonable approximations of quantities or calculations.
Measurement
The process of determining the size, length, weight, or capacity of objects using units.
Patterns
Repeated sequences or regularities in numbers, shapes, or other mathematical objects.
Quantity
The amount or number of something that can be counted or measured.
Statistics 6 elements ▶
Correlation
The statistical relationship between two variables showing how they change together.
Deviation
Measures that describe how spread out or varied data values are from the center.
Distribution
The way data values are spread across possible values, shown through shape and pattern.
Probability
The measure of how likely an event is to occur, expressed as a ratio or percentage.
Tendency
Measures that describe the center or typical value of a data set.
Variables
The study and development of variables skills and understanding.
Standards Alignment: Common Core Math (CC:Math), ISTE Computational Thinker (S5), P21 Critical Thinking, CASEL Responsible Decision-Making
🎓
Mathematical Literacy is "As a Mathematician" in the Portrait — from a preschooler counting objects to 10, to a third grader multiplying fluently, to a graduate who reasons quantitatively about the world and makes data-informed decisions. Trace the full progression →

Scientific Literacy

Understanding Our World Through Inquiry
Embedded
29 elements
▼
Scientific Literacy develops the capacity to understand scientific concepts, engage in scientific reasoning, and make informed decisions about science-related issues. It includes life sciences, physical sciences, earth and space sciences, health, fitness, and engineering design.
Why It Matters

Science explains natural phenomena and drives technological innovation. Health literacy is essential for personal and public well-being. Understanding climate and environmental science informs civic decisions. Engineering design thinking applies to problems across all fields.

Subdomains & Elements

Click any subdomain to see its elements and definitions

Earth and Space 5 elements ▶
Climate
The long-term average of weather patterns in a region over extended periods of time.
Earth
Our planet and its systems, including landforms, water, atmosphere, and geological processes.
Solar System
The sun and all objects that orbit it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
Universe
All of space, time, matter, and energy that exists, including galaxies, stars, and cosmic structures.
Weather
The state of the atmosphere at a specific place and time, including temperature and precipitation.
Engineering 3 elements ▶
Integration
Combining separate components or systems to work together as a unified whole.
Manufacturing
The process of converting raw materials into finished products through systematic production.
Tinkering
Hands-on exploration and experimentation with materials, mechanisms, and ideas.
Fitness 4 elements ▶
Agility
The ability to change body position or direction quickly and effectively.
Endurance
The ability to sustain physical activity over extended periods of time.
Speed
The ability to move the body or body parts quickly.
Strength
The ability of muscles to exert force against resistance.
Health 5 elements ▶
Exercise
Physical activity that improves or maintains fitness, health, and overall well-being.
Nutrition
The process of obtaining and using food for energy, growth, and health maintenance.
Safety
Practices and awareness that prevent injury, harm, or danger in various situations.
Sleep
The natural state of rest during which the body recovers and the brain processes information.
Stress
The body's response to challenges or demands, affecting physical and mental well-being.
Learning Process 3 elements ▶
Brain
The central organ of the nervous system that controls thought, memory, emotion, and body functions.
Nervous System
The body system that coordinates actions and transmits signals between different body parts.
Neurons
Specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
Life Science 4 elements ▶
Biodiversity
The variety of life in an ecosystem, including diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems.
Development
The process of growth and change in living organisms from birth through maturity.
Ecosystems
Communities of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.
Organisms
Living things that carry out life processes including growth, reproduction, and response to environment.
Physical Sciences 5 elements ▶
Chemical
Relating to the composition, properties, and reactions of substances at the molecular level.
Energy
The capacity to do work or cause change, existing in various forms that can be transformed.
Force
A push or pull that can change an object's motion, shape, or direction.
Matter
Anything that has mass and takes up space, existing in different states and forms.
Motion
The change in position of an object over time, described by speed, velocity, and acceleration.
Standards Alignment: NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards), ISTE Knowledge Constructor (S3), SHAPE America Standards, P21 Critical Thinking
🎓
Scientific Literacy powers "As a Scientist" — from a preschooler asking "why?" and exploring through senses to a graduate who thinks like a scientist in everyday life, questioning claims and seeking evidence. See the scientist at every age →