Battelle for Kids Preparing to Launch Report on “The Future of the Portrait of a Graduate”

Report Evaluates a Decade of “Portrait of a Graduate” Progress, Charts Future Course for Student Success Movement

Battelle for Kids will launch its seminal report, "The Future of the Portrait of a Graduate," on Tuesday, June 4.

The comprehensive report evaluates a decade of progress in transforming education through the implementation of the Portrait of a Graduate framework. The report offers valuable insights and practical guidance for educators, policymakers, and community leaders committed to preparing students for a dynamic and unpredictable world.

Reflecting on two decades of high-stakes standardized testing, the report underscores the critical need to move beyond performance metrics to foster a more meaningful and engaging educational experience.?

"The relentless focus on test scores has often left students struggling to find personal relevance and joy in their education," said Mike Duncan, Ed.D. , president & CEO of Battelle for Kids. "Our new report highlights how the Portrait of a Graduate framework can reorient educational strategies to prioritize both rigorous academic content and durable skills. As a former superintendent, adopting this approach in my district shifted my focus from mere test scores to infusing education with meaning and joy, emphasizing real-world applications and fostering student independence.”?

The report is the culmination of extensive research, community engagement, and practical experience. It features contributions from key stakeholders, including the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction , AASA, The School Superintendents Association , and America Succeeds .

Additionally, with 70% of EdLeader21 Network member districts having implemented a Portrait, the report amplifies the voices of various district superintendents and central office leaders, offering tangible examples of real-world application and impact.

The report includes insights into the planning, design, and implementation of Portraits from more than a dozen districts across the nation, including rural, suburban, and urban systems.

Sign up here to be among the first to receive the report when it’s released on June 4 .

EdWeek Webinar: A Decade of Transforming Education

Join EdWeek, Battelle for Kids, and education leaders from across the country for a Portrait of a Graduate webinar on Tuesday, June 11, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Battelle for Kids will delve into its report, "The Future of the Portrait of a Graduate," in a webinar hosted by Education Week on Tuesday, June 11.

BFK president and CEO Mike Duncan will be joined by panelists:

• Bob Nelson , Retired Superintendent/Advisor, Fresno Unified School District (CA)
• Catherine L. Truitt , State Superintendent, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
• Colon Lewis, Ed.D. , Chief Learning Officer, Battelle for Kids

Click here to register for the webinar .