Schools and states are adopting new standards that align students' with the needs of today's employers
This shift is known as the Portrait or Profile of a Graduate
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A Portrait or Profile of a Graduate outlines the learning standards, competencies, and durable skills students should demonstrate upon graduation to be best prepared for today’s workforce.
Schools Shifting to Meet Workforce Demand
Today’s students have the resources, so why are they failing to meet employers’ expectations?
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Regardless of their post-secondary pathways, the shortage of qualified applicants in the workforce continues to grow.​
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What’s missing? The skills that enable students to communicate, collaborate, and adapt—skills employers seek most today.​
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Eight of the ten most in-demand skills are not technical but durable skills, requested nearly four times more than any other skills.​​
What are Durable Skills and Why They Matter
To stand out to employers, durable skills must be part of secondary students' daily lives.
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Durable skills, also known as soft skills, are essential for success in school, work, and life. These include communication, teamwork, adaptability, creativity, and self-management.
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While technical knowledge matters, durable skills equip students to navigate challenges, collaborate effectively, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
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Durable skills form the foundation of any Portrait or Profile of a Graduate, as the majority of its competencies are rooted in these skills.
