School systems across the country continue to redefine what it means to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Artificial intelligence, hybrid and remote work, and evolving labor-market demands point toward a broader, more human-centered definition of readiness. Academic mastery still matters; yet, students also need transferable skills for life: communication, collaboration, adaptability, creativity, empathy, problem solving, and agency.
A Portrait of a Graduate (POG), or Vision of a Learner (VOL), offers a research-aligned, future-focused framework that centers these competencies. A POG clarifies expectations for learners, guides instructional design, shapes professional learning, and strengthens coherence across classrooms and schools.
Education Elements supports districts through design and implementation. Districts receive a comprehensive multi-year roadmap, clear look-fors, role-specific expectations, communication supports, and tools that translate portrait competencies into practical, daily teaching and learning.