In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with educator and Magnet Coordinator Claire Romzek about how she uses Portrait of a Learner (POL) to cultivate future readiness in her students. Alongside the Portrait of a Learner , Claire discusses how ungrading, project-based learning (PBL), and competency-based learning (CBL) all work together to set students up for success in their futures. Drawing from her own experience, she shares valuable and innovative insights for educators looking to bring these student-centered approaches to life in their classrooms.

The Journey to Innovative Teaching

Claire Romzek dedicated over a decade to teaching at the elementary level before transitioning to a middle school Magnet program. Unlike traditional schools, Magnet schools focus on specialized themes to attract a diverse student body. Claire explains, “Magnet schools got started in the 80s. It was more or less to bring diversity to a neighborhood that maybe didn't have any.” There, in that innovative environment, Claire discovered her passion for proficiency-based grading and project-based learning. Now, as the Magnet Coordinator, she oversees the STEM program at her school and supports students to learn through real-world, hands-on experiences.

Episode Highlights

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:55 - Guest Introduction

00:04:30 - Ungrading

00:15:16 - Ungrading and Project-Based Learning

00:20:09 - Unpacking the Portrait of a Learner

00:27:54 - Ungrading and the Portrait of a Learner

00:32:24 - Transforming the Role of the Educator With Competency-Based Learning

00:44:20 - Making the Portrait of a Graduate Work

00:44:30 - Embracing the Future with the Portrait of a Learner

The Impact of Ungrading on Student Engagement

Claire believes that grading holds students back from learning. Early on, she noticed her students often asked, “Is this for a grade?”—a common question because they wouldn’t engage without grades. However, once she shifted to an ungraded approach, she noticed something else happened. Her students took more risks in their learning. Without the pressure of grades, they felt safe to explore new ideas. Instead of panicking over potential penalties, they leaned into curiosity and learning for its own sake.

“Some kids would rather fail because they didn’t do anything than try and still fail,” Claire shares. By removing the fear of failure and final grades, she encourages all students to learn beyond the standard curriculum.

Ungrading and Project Based Learning

Project-based learning and ungrading are closely linked. Both of these future-ready approaches focus on the learning process rather than what students get “right.” In PBL, students show their knowledge in creative and meaningful ways. This makes it difficult to assign traditional grading to their work. But that’s the point. Claire says that it’s important for teachers to recognize mastery even when it looks different for each student. Projects will evolve each year, but the learning outcomes should remain consistent.

Both approaches help students build critical skills like problem-solving and communication, competencies required to navigate life and their future pathways. As Claire puts it:

"The world is project-based. It’s constant problem-solving, it’s constant change. Students need to know how to communicate with others and think critically. They can’t do that if they are just memorizing facts."

Unpacking the Portrait of a Learner

The Portrait of a Learner isn’t just another framework; it’s a shift in what we value in education. It’s about integrating soft skills with content knowledge and everyday learning while moving away from standardized tests. Claire points out that there’s a growing disconnect between what students are taught and what employers expect from them. Employers are frustrated by graduates who lack essential workforce skills. “We have people in the industry who are saying we will teach the skills they need for the job, but we can’t teach collaboration and critical thinking,” Claire says.

To close the gap, she addresses the importance of incorporating soft skills throughout a student's everyday learning—not treating them as add-ons, but as essential outcomes of the learning experience. Claire encourages educators to build these durable skills into everyday learning. This includes hands-on projects like STEM tanks and design thinking. Approaches like these don’t just engage students—they help prepare them for real-world success.

Ungrading and the Portrait of a Learner

Claire explains that ungrading has a clear connection to the Portrait of a Learner. Both emphasize student communication and reflection in the learning process and prioritize them over the final grade. “We need to give value to kids being able to communicate where they fall against a standard,” she explains. That’s why she uses portfolio-based assessment.
Students present evidence of their learning over time, tracking their own progress and setting personal goals. Learning doesn’t end after a deadline. Even at the end of a project, students reflect on these goals and can revise, reflect, and submit additional evidence. It’s a collaborative process between student and teacher that puts student ownership and growth front and center. They can determine grades together based on reflective insights, empowering students to adjust their proficiency by providing further evidence of their learning.

Transforming the Role of the Educator with Competency-Based Education

Shifting to competency-based education (CBE) has transformed how Claire approaches teaching. Her role as an educator has changed from a traditional instructor to a facilitator of learning. “You have to realize that your lesson plans aren’t going to be exact,” she explains. It’s important to be responsive to students' needs and to tailor instruction based on their progress. With CBE, using continuous feedback loops allows teachers to offer timely support during class when it matters most. This also doesn’t place the burden of taking work home on teachers. Additionally, Claire has found that students achieve higher competency levels through peer learning. When students teach each other, they deepen their own understanding and help create a collaborative classroom community where everyone grows together.

Making the Portrait of a Graduate Work

Introducing the Portrait of a Graduate to your school community will naturally bring change—and with that, questions. Claire offers practical advice for leading this shift with transparency and care. Here are some takeaways:

• Start with your “why.” Clearly share your vision and explain why this work matters for students’ futures.
• Be transparent and flexible. Reassure your community that this isn’t a rigid plan but a flexible framework that can evolve based on what’s best for your learners.
• Anticipate questions about grades. Address concerns early by explaining how learning will be assessed and ensuring there are no surprises.
• Communicate proactively. Claire recommends sending out weekly newsletters that recap classroom learning and provide talking points for parents to engage with their children at home.
• Build trust through consistent communication. These touchpoints help keep the community engaged and informed throughout the learning process.
• Own your initiative and stay grounded in your purpose. Lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

Ultimately, Claire advises, “It’s just about being open, having clear communication, owning your practice, and having confidence in it.”

Embracing the Future with the Portrait of a Learner

Claire explains that initiatives like the Portrait of a Learner represent where education is headed, because they meet the changing needs of both students and the world they’re growing into. In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, learning environments must nurture a wide range of talents and skills. We need to create space for every student to build a growth mindset, take on challenges, and learn without fear of failure holding them back.

Too often, traditional grading systems limit this potential. Mistakes are penalized instead of being seen as opportunities for growth and deeper learning. Claire reminds us that, “Failing forward is a good thing. We need to learn from our mistakes.”

When we shift how we teach, we also expand how we define success. Learning becomes a journey—one without a finish line—where every student, no matter their starting point, has the chance to grow and thrive. By embracing the Portrait of a Learner, we can create more inclusive, supportive learning communities where all students are empowered to succeed.

Want to learn more? Explore the resources in Bringing Your Portrait of a Graduate to Life for practical steps to help your school community take the next step.