The initiative, led by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and aligned with its strategic plan, is designed to gather feedback from Wisconsinites to help create a shared vision for what it means to be ready for life after high school. The effort will help Wisconsin schools better prepare students for college, careers, community leadership, and civic life in a rapidly changing world. 

"We want to broaden Wisconsin’s vision for student success,” Dr. Underly said. “The world our students are preparing to enter is changing quickly, and it is critical that we hear directly from the people who know our communities best. Academic rigor is always a top priority and will not change, but we also need to ensure students leave our schools prepared to think critically, adapt, communicate, solve problems, and thrive.” 

Today’s students are entering a world far different from the one graduates faced even just a few years ago. Significant advances in artificial intelligence and technology have changed how people work and learn, and employers increasingly value skills like communication, collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving alongside academic achievement. At the same time, students are navigating rising costs of living, evolving career pathways, a changing housing market, and new expectations about workforce readiness and mental wellness. 

The Portrait of a Graduate initiative is being guided by a steering committee made up of educators, students, higher education partners, statewide education organizations, employers, and representatives from industries across Wisconsin.  

The DPI has already held listening sessions around the state and is encouraging additional statewide public participation through two upcoming virtual listening sessions scheduled for May 27 (noon to 1 p.m. - registration form available online) and June 3 (6-7 p.m. - registration form available online). The sessions are open to families, students, educators, employers, community leaders, and anyone interested in helping shape the future of education in Wisconsin. Additional information on these listening sessions can be found on the DPI’s website.  

In addition to the virtual sessions, community members can learn more and provide feedback through an online survey and engagement module available on the DPI's website. 

“The success of this initiative depends on hearing from people in every corner of Wisconsin,” Dr. Underly said. “We want students, families, educators, employers, and community members to answer an important question: ‘What should a Wisconsin graduate know and be able to do to succeed in today’s world?’” 

For more information, visit the DPI’s Portrait of a Graduate website.  

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