Across the country, school districts are rethinking what it means to prepare students for success. The call is clear: students need more than academic knowledge—they need the Durable Skills that allow them to navigate life, learning, and work in an increasingly complex world. According to America Succeeds, seven of the ten most in-demand skills in today’s job postings are durable skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills that are requested nearly four times more than the top five technical skills (America Succeeds). At the same time, Kentucky’s own Portrait of a Learner framework reflects this national momentum, defining success through competencies like Empowered Learner, Critical Thinker, and Productive Collaborator—all of which mirror the durable skills districts must now explicitly foster.
The Evolution of Postsecondary Success
For over two decades, the Collaborative for Teaching and Learning (CTL) has worked alongside districts to translate this vision into practice. From guiding innovative systems change in places like Danville, KY, to building the Postsecondary Success Skills Model that embeds routines for critical skills into daily instruction, CTL has been a trusted partner in promoting both academic and human development. Our professional learning experiences help educators nurture persistence, resilience, and adaptability in students—traits increasingly recognized as non-negotiables for lifelong success (Northeast University; CTL Critical Thinking).
The language to describe these vital skills has evolved. Initially labeled “soft skills”—a term that undervalues their impact—CTL reframes them as Postsecondary Success Skills, recognizing their power to help students thrive beyond high school. Today, we align with the term Durable Skills, a shift that reflects a deeper understanding of their long-term relevance and economic value. These are not fleeting trends but essential competencies for upward mobility, civic engagement, and workforce competitiveness (CTL Why Durable Skills). Research from the Lumina Foundation and others confirms that students equipped with these skills are better prepared for the evolving demands of postsecondary education and the future of work (Lumina Foundation).
CTL’s Portrait of a Learner Framework
CTL is now expanding this work by partnering directly with districts to examine and refine their Portrait of a Learner efforts. We know this is innovative work that needs a long-term plan and strategic effort to make it successful for all students. We help district leaders identify community priorities, align durable skills across district and community efforts, and implement classroom practices that ensure every student builds the competencies to succeed. Whether through authentic explicit skills instruction (i.e. Critical Thinking, Time Management), rubrics that make skills visible (Unlocking Student Potential), or student demonstrations of learning, CTL offers tools that bridge vision and implementation.
CTL also offers an extensive Profile of a Graduate Framework and Evaluation Rubric to help districts design, assess, and improve their implementation of durable skills across the system. This tool provides a holistic structure for reflection and growth, supporting districts in measuring progress across key phases:
- Co-Creation and Local Grounding
- Competency Development and Alignment
- Instructional Integration and Student Ownership
- Credentialing and Skill Development
- Impact Monitoring and Continuous Improvement.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, the rubric supports continuous improvement and responsive design—helping leaders evaluate stakeholder engagement, equity integration, classroom practice, and credentialing alignment. Whether a district is just beginning to explore these ideas or seeking to deepen its implementation, CTL’s rubric serves as both a mirror and a map: it illuminates where systems currently stand and guides them toward a future where every learner is equipped with the skills to thrive.
Ready to Begin? Find Out More About CTL’s Approach
CTL invites you to schedule a free strategy session with our team to explore how we can co-create a learner profile rooted in durable skills—and provide the training, tools, and coaching to bring it to life.
