So, You Want to Create a Portrait of a Graduate? Factors and Considerations for the Field

Abstract

With constantly changing needs in a global economy, more flexibility in educational accountability for states and districts, and a focus on high standards for all students, state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) are increasingly defining what skills, competencies, and knowledge graduates should have by developing a Portrait of a Graduate (POG), Portrait of a Learner, Personalized Learner Profile, or Graduate Profile. Despite the varied nomenclature, the objective is the same: to outline how students can demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to graduate and be positive contributors to their families, workplaces, and communities as successfully engaged, global citizens. This brief describes POG development and implementation approaches. The intent of this brief is not to advocate for a particular approach but rather to lay out the potential opportunities and challenges associated with different approaches to POG development. The brief aims to provide education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners with insights into how varied governance structures and approaches can affect the effectiveness and consistency of POG implementation. By highlighting the considerations of each implementation approach, we offer a balanced perspective that will allow interested parties to develop POGs that are both meaningful and feasible in their unique contexts.