Turning Graduate Portraits into Pathways

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Turning Graduate Portraits into Pathways
Language: English
Authors: Laura Slover
Source: State Education Standard. 2026 26(1).
Availability: National Association of State Boards of Education. 2121 Crystal Drive Suite 350, Arlington, VA 22202. Tel: 800-368-5023; Tel: 703-684-4000; Fax: 703-836-2313; e-mail: boards@nasbe.org; Web site: https://www.nasbe.org/category/the-standard/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: High School Graduates, Profiles, Minimum Competencies, College Readiness, Career Readiness, State Boards of Education, Skills, Graduation Requirements
Geographic Terms: North Carolina, Indiana
ISSN: 1540-8000
Abstract: Many state leaders are rethinking students' readiness for life after high school through the creation of portraits of a graduate, in which they name communication, collaboration, and critical thinking among the essential skills students need. Schools need ways to teach, assess, and credential these competencies so that diplomas no longer risk becoming empty promises. This article discusses the Skills for the Future initiative, a partnership between ETS and the Carnegie Foundation that the author leads. This initiative aims to help states turn their aspirational graduate portraits into proof of skills acquired--ensuring every learner leaves high school prepared for college, careers, and life. The article discusses the work that partner states North Carolina and Indiana are doing to develop innovative assessments. The article also discusses what state boards can do to help shape student success and lead others in their states in fruitful conversations about durable skills.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Access URL: https://www.nasbe.org/turning-graduate-portraits-into-pathways/
Accession Number: EJ1498131
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Many state leaders are rethinking students' readiness for life after high school through the creation of portraits of a graduate, in which they name communication, collaboration, and critical thinking among the essential skills students need. Schools need ways to teach, assess, and credential these competencies so that diplomas no longer risk becoming empty promises. This article discusses the Skills for the Future initiative, a partnership between ETS and the Carnegie Foundation that the author leads. This initiative aims to help states turn their aspirational graduate portraits into proof of skills acquired--ensuring every learner leaves high school prepared for college, careers, and life. The article discusses the work that partner states North Carolina and Indiana are doing to develop innovative assessments. The article also discusses what state boards can do to help shape student success and lead others in their states in fruitful conversations about durable skills.
ISSN:1540-8000