Strategic Planning in Practice: Schools Turn the Portrait into Big Moves

Type: Case Study
Topics: Curriculum & Assessment, School Climate & Culture, Strategic Planning, Student-Centered Learning

December 18, 2025

How two districts operationalized their Portraits of a Graduate through strategic planning.
Strategic Planning in Practice Case Study Cover

San Gabriel Unified School District (Calif.) and Lincoln Consolidated Schools (Mich.) partnered with members of AASA’s District Service’s team to operationalize their Portraits of a Graduate through strategic planning.

The Challenge

San Gabriel USD:
San Gabriel USD needed to move from vision to system-wide shifts in student voice, choice, and deeper learning experiences. Their Portrait of a Graduate was defined, but the district sought the strategy to put it into practice.

Lincoln Consolidated:
Lincoln Consolidated had created their Portrait of a Graduate in 2022, but faced the challenge of “what next” amid rapidly changing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The question was how to ensure their Portrait’s life skills are realized concretely across classrooms and operations.

Key Impacts
  • Lincoln Consolidated’s life skills are widely understood; San Gabriel USD’s vision similarly centers around student voice and choice.
  • Lincoln Consolidated has begun piloting Portrait-based lessons and teacher workshops, showing staff willingness to invest beyond standard expectations.
  • Both districts are better able to respond to emerging challenges (like AI in Lincoln Consolidated) because of having a strategic plan grounded in essential life skills.

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ܲAVƵDistrict Services

ܲAVƵoffers a customizable menu of district consulting services to help ensure alignment across staff and community, and ultimately improve learning outcomes for all children. From creating a community-driven Portrait of a Graduate to designing strategic plans and measuring what matters most, ܲAVƵmeets you where you are and supports you every step of the journey.

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