Bakersfield City School District Portrait of a Graduate Case Study

This case study details the collaboration between Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) and Hanover Research to develop a Portrait of a Graduate (POG) that outlines the essential skills and competencies for students. The initiative aimed to gather comprehensive community feedback to establish a unified vision for student success. In 2023, BCSD formed an internal committee comprising teachers, administrators, and support staff to engage educational partners in identifying critical characteristics and skills for graduates. The process involved large-scale survey research, collecting insights from over 7,000 middle school students and their families. The findings highlighted the importance of social-emotional skills, college and career readiness, and practical foundational skills. Based on the survey results, BCSD defined six core competencies that will guide the district's strategic direction. The case study emphasizes the significance of community engagement and data-driven decision-making in shaping educational outcomes.