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Three-component framework for Portrait of a Graduate assessment systems

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Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 2 studies (2 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

A framework developed by Kyle Dunbar et al. for organizing district Portrait of a Graduate assessment systems around collecting, analyzing, and communicating evidence of student learning.

Components

  • Taxonomy of POG assessment strategies: state menu-based demonstration, experiential/performance assessment, embedded formative assessment, and competency-based progression: The brief organizes how states measure POG competencies into distinct approaches. Colorado uses Graduation Guidelines under which "Local school boards select from a state-provided menu of assessment options"; Nevada and Virginia use experiential learning demonstrated through "portfolios and capstones or hands-on learning opportunities"; Michigan emphasizes formative assessments embedded in learning alongside summative assessments of deeper learning; and New Hampshire integrates POG assessment into competency-based education where students advance on mastery rather than time in class. (Terrell et al. (2025))
  • Portrait of a Graduate Synthesis Model: Mindsets, Skill Sets, and Practices: A taxonomy derived from the authors' analysis of 69 district Portraits, organizing graduate attributes into three levels: "Mindsets are overarching ways of thinking or acting that support learners to develop and apply Skill Sets" (e.g., Curiosity, Perseverance); Skill Sets are "Broadly framed abilities that are essential for a person's lifelong success" (e.g., Analyze to Understand; Care For and Contribute to Society); and Practices are "Actionable subcategories of Skill Sets that learners can demonstrate across academic and professional contexts" (e.g., Evaluate Appropriate and Accurate Information). The model synthesizes attributes identified by districts nationwide into six Skill Sets wit (Shifting Education with Learning Pathways: Becoming Your Portrait of a Graduate)

Claims

Key Sources

  • Kyle Dunbar, Katie Wilczak, Kelly Mills, Nick Mireles, and Alison Shell. (2025). Portraits in Progress: Emerging Future-Ready Skills Assessment Strategies. Digital Promise and Pearson. https://digitalpromise.org
  • Terrell, J. H., Ahigian, R., Garvey, M., & Barzee, S. (2025). Building future-ready students: The state of Portraits of a Graduate Frameworks. WestEd. https://www.wested.org
  • Mills, K., Weisgrau, J., Burke, Q., Lee, K., Solorzano, T. and Coenraad, M. (2024, March). Shifting Education with Learning Pathways: Becoming Your Portrait of a Graduate. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/205
Page metadata
Field Value
type product
id three-component-framework-for-portrait-of-a-graduate-assessment-systems
title Three-component framework for Portrait of a Graduate assessment systems
description A framework developed by Kyle Dunbar et al.
status review
moved_from theory/portrait-synthesis-model-mindsets-skill-sets-practices
product_kind framework
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-09
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — mills-k-weisgrau-j-burke

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