Many states are pushing beyond traditional definitions of a successful graduate, such as GPA or college admittance, to create a ‘portrait of a graduate’ that identifies the skills students should possess upon high school graduation.
This shift redefines success by including attributes that will help students become ethical and global citizens. Importantly, this approach isn’t limited to secondary education – schools are increasingly aligning on this concept starting as early as elementary school, highlighting its significance throughout a student’s educational journey.
Watch this webinar to hear from three school leaders who have experience creating their district's portrait of a graduate. They discussed:
The traditional model of schooling, with its uniform approach, doesn't always succeed in achieving equitable outcomes. To address this, it's crucial to empower students and families to actively participate in the design process, creating an education system that truly values and recognizes the unique experiences and identities of every student. This isn't just about minor adjustments; it’s about making significant changes to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Innovation here is not just a buzzword but a vital tool to solve the pressing issue of inequity in education.
A Portrait of a Graduate envisions what students should become, both academically and personally. Through extensive community engagement, including students, parents, and educators, a vision is created that goes beyond traditional academic achievements. This vision is rooted in community values and is designed to prepare students for an ever-changing world. It focuses on developing a wide range of skills and competencies that will serve students well in the future. The goal is to create a broad and balanced definition of success, ensuring students are well-equipped for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
Implementing a Portrait of a Graduate means putting students at the heart of everything done. This includes adopting student-centered practices such as project-based learning and integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum. These approaches empower students to take an active role in their education, making learning more meaningful and engaging. The process is dynamic and iterative, with continuous feedback and refinement to keep the portrait relevant and effective. Schools are encouraged to pilot new ideas, gather insights from surveys and focus groups, and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing journey ensures that a Portrait of a Graduate not only sets a clear vision for student success but also guides the creation of learning environments that support this vision.