In this episode of Growth Over Grades, Jordan speaks with educator and Magnet Coordinator Claire Romzek about how the Portrait of a Learner cultivates future readiness in her students. Claire emphasizes that, alongside the Portrait of a Learner (POL), ungrading, project-based learning (PBL), and competency-based learning (CBL) collaboratively equip students for success in their futures. She shares valuable insights from her own experiences to assist educators in implementing these innovative approaches in their classrooms.
The Journey to Innovative Teaching
Claire Romzek is a dedicated educator who spent 12 years 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. As 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.” In this 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.
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 hinders student learning. After shifting to an ungraded approach, she noticed her students took more risks in their learning. Initially, she thought students asked, 'Is this for a grade?' because they wouldn’t engage without grades. However, she found that without the pressure of grades, students relaxed and became more willing to explore new ideas instead of panicking over potential penalties. Claire noted, 'Some kids would rather fail because they didn’t do anything than try and still fail.' By removing the fear of failure and eliminating final grades, she encouraged all students, including high achievers, to extend their learning beyond the standard curriculum.
Ungrading and Project Based Learning
Project-based learning (PBL) and ungrading are closely linked because both focus on the learning process, helping students become future-ready. In PBL, students demonstrate knowledge in diverse ways, making traditional grading difficult. Claire stresses the need for teachers to recognize mastery even when it looks different for each student, emphasizing that while projects will undoubtedly evolve each year, the learning outcomes will remain consistent. Both approaches equip students with critical skills like problem-solving and communication. 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 (POL) emphasizes integrating soft skills with content knowledge while moving away from standardized tests. Claire points out that employers are frustrated by graduates who lack essential workforce skills, noting, 'We have people in the industry who are saying we will teach the skills they need for the job, but we can’t teach the collaboration and critical thinking.' To address this, she stresses the importance of fostering soft skills throughout a student's education rather than merely training them for tests. Claire recommends embedding these durable skills into learning through approaches like STEM tanks and design thinking, ensuring that students are better prepared for success in the real world
Ungrading and the Portrait of a Learner
Claire explains that ungrading connects to the Portrait of a Learner (POL) by emphasizing student communication and reflection in the learning process. She asserts, “We need to give value to kids being able to communicate where they fall against a standard.” Through portfolio-based assessment, students present evidence of their learning, enabling them to track their progress and set personal goals. At the end of a project, they reflect on these goals and can submit additional evidence to enhance their project, even after the deadline. This approach allows students and teachers to collaboratively determine grades 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
Claire shares that shifting to competency-based education (CBE) has transformed her practice as an educator by changing her role 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, as this approach encourages teachers to be responsive to their students' needs and to tailor instruction based on their progress. The emphasis on a continuous feedback loop ensures timely support without placing the burden of taking work home on teachers. Additionally, she has found that students achieve higher competency levels by teaching their peers, which reinforces their understanding while fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Making the Portrait of a Graduate Work
When introducing the Portrait of a Graduate in your school, Claire offers valuable insights for success. First, she emphasizes the importance of being transparent about your goals and prepared to explain your rationale when encountering pushback. It's essential to reassure everyone involved that you’re open to adjusting your plan as needed to ensure success.
Second, anticipate concerns around student grades. Ensure all stakeholders that there will be no surprises—communicate early and often. Claire suggests increasing communication through weekly newsletters that recap classroom learning and provide talking points for parents to engage with their children. Own your initiative, be prepared with strong reasoning, and have a plan in place for addressing any concerns. 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 the future of K-12 education because they align with the evolving needs of students and society. In today's world, education should focus on fostering a diverse range of talents and skills that allow all students to thrive. We must cultivate a growth mindset, providing opportunities for every student to excel and embrace challenges without the fear of failure. Claire emphasizes that the traditional grading system often stifles this potential, penalizing students instead of allowing them to learn from their mistakes. She notes, “Failing forward is a good thing. We need to learn from our mistakes.”
A shift in our educational approach is essential, one that acknowledges learning as a journey. Every student, regardless of their challenges, deserves the opportunity to grow and succeed. By embracing the Portrait of a Learner, we can foster a more inclusive, supportive, and effective educational environment for everyone. To learn more about implementing the Portrait of a Graduate, explore resources available at Bringing Your Portrait of a Graduate to Life.
