Insights from the Field

The following is excerpted from the Battelle for Kids "The Future of the Portrait of a Graduate" report that was published in June 2024.?

Download your copy of the Futurecast report at https://bfk.me/future.

By Jessica Harding and Beth Silveira

Jessica Harding and Beth Silveira serve as senior directors at Battelle for Kids. They have each facilitated dozens of Portrait engagements in communities throughout the nation. Here, they share insights on the impact of the Portrait of a Graduate.

From Jessica Harding:

On Student Voice & Agency...

The competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate serve as a gateway to enhancing student agency, which can be particularly beneficial for districts interacting with educators who might not yet be as committed as central office staff to this kind of initiative. Implementing these competencies in the classroom presents a chance to explore the concept of student agency more deeply with educators, offering them best practice examples and strategies for application.

On Community Engagement...

The Portrait design team meeting does an excellent job of bringing diverse community groups together. It also highlights gaps for some and asks the question, “Who have we not included?” This is an important question, not just for the Portrait, but for all aspects of district work.

On Educator Empowerment...

The effectiveness of the Portrait initiative often hinges on the involvement of educators from the outset. Ensuring educators are part of the creation process can significantly enhance their connection to the initiative and prevent any feelings of disconnection. Moreover, using the final Portrait as a tool for support is crucial for fostering teacher engagement. Achieving buy-in from teachers is vital for the success of a Portrait of a Graduate, and there is room for improvement in assisting districts to cultivate this engagement more effectively.

On Assessment...

Portrait application can be assessed in many ways. I caution districts on developing strict and traditional assessment protocols too early after the start of Portrait implementation. A plan to track Portrait progress can and should be developed, with student examples of success being documented along the way.

From Beth Silveira:

On Education & Workforce Alignment...

Setting a clear vision marks the beginning of transformative work in education. It establishes a foundation for fostering a sense of ownership among all stakeholders—teachers, administrators, students, and parents—regarding the necessary shifts in learning environments. This clarity offers an entry point for members of the wider community, including local businesses and higher education institutions, to understand their place within the educational ecosystem. Often, this sparks meaningful discussions about their roles and contributions to the collective efforts of the school district.

On Student Voice & Agency...

Incorporating student voice in the development of their Portrait of a Graduate is crucial. In districts where additional student sessions are possible, it not only empowers those participating by building their agency but also demonstrates to other students the impact of their voice. While having students on the design team is beneficial, hosting separate sessions can engage even more students. This could serve as a valuable opportunity for districts to establish student think tanks as part of the Portrait implementation process.

On Educator Empowerment...

Many educators are naturally inclined to cultivate the durable skills featured in their Portrait, though they often feel their efforts go unrecognized or are even critiqued. The Portrait serves as a validation of these instincts, affirming that educators should indeed focus on intentionally developing these skills in their students. While most educators aspire to create classroom experiences that captivate both their students and themselves, a lack of support can hinder these efforts. The introduction of the Portrait signifies a needed change in perspective, with its implementation demonstrating a tangible commitment to this vision. For such a transformation to take root, leaders must recognize the importance of fostering agency not just among students but among educators as well. This entails using the Portrait as a blueprint for student development and a guide for the professional growth and support of educators.

About Battelle for Kids

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization helping to empower educators so that every student has hope, resilience, and the knowledge and skills to be future-ready. BFK has helped hundreds of school districts and state agencies design, launch, and bring their shared community visions—the Portrait of a Graduate—to life, impacting the learning experiences of millions of students nationwide. For more information, visit bfk.org.