UP’s work in Lamoille South Supervisory Union continues! UP started in LSSU working on developing an equity policy with the LSSU Board, youth and community members in 2022. From there, representatives from across the communities of Elmore, Stowe, and Morristown developed their Portrait of a Graduate (PoG). This track record of collaboration, teamwork, shared power, and shared responsibility paved the way for 2024-2025 when Student Advisory Councils (SAC) at all 7 schools are piloting ways to bring the Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) into day to day practice. 

 

Here are some examples of how different grade levels chose to demonstrate their proficiency:

  • Each grade taking one pillar of the PoG and doing a project to demonstrate their learning around that pillar
  • End-of-year presentations by all 5th and 8th graders to share their learning
  • Incorporation of the PoG into the senior capstone
  • Student-led morning meetings and facilitated faculty meetings based on the PoG 
  • Student-led workshops at the Vermont Association for Middle Level Education annual conference

 

The experience has enriched their understanding of the PoG and begun to establish pathways for students to fulfill the aspirations of the PoG. Going forward, the SAC’s will be presenting their work to the school boards and community.

 

The collaboration between the team and district leadership began during the PoG process. The youth-adult PoG team  composed of students from all schools (elementary, middle, and high school), community members, parents/caregivers, teachers, administrators, school board members, and the superintendent collected data around the central question: What are the most important characteristics, skills and experiences that graduates of LSUU need to prepare them for success in learning and life?

 

In spring 2023, several PoG team members embarked on a learning excursion with Next Generation Learning Challenges to visit and learn from Mission Vista High School in Oceanside, CA. This team was able to critically think about educational transformation and how to guide strategic planning sessions that holds their PoG at the root of change and seeks to answer the brave question: How do we build a system where all students succeed on their journey regardless of the path they choose? 


UP for Learning joined the LSSU Board, Superintendent, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction to facilitate a work session focused on refining their vision and mission, developing strategic goals for the ‘23-’24 school year, and establishing a work plan to fulfill those goals. From the opening of the session, UP balanced progress toward the goals and outcomes with a process that built connections among board members and administrative leaders to establish a strong sense of teamwork. This is the lasting impact UP can have on a school district – helping to create a culture where youth voice is incorporated at all levels.