Preparing students for success in college, careers, and life is a top priority for states nationwide. To do this effectively, states must align education and workforce development goals, funding, and strategies to build a modern talent pipeline. A critical part of this work is ensuring students develop the durable skills that are in high demand across all sectors and industries.

States play a key role in this transformation. By setting clear standards, defining success, and creating aligned policies, they can ensure every student graduates ready for what comes next. The following recommendations are designed to guide all states in embedding durable skills into their education and workforce strategies:

1. Define a Unified Vision for College and Career Readiness

Create a statewide “Portrait of a Graduate” or similar framework that articulates the knowledge, skills, and habits all students should develop. Incorporate durable skills into this vision to signal to employers that graduates are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce—and that their input is valued in shaping education policy.

2. Establish Clear, Shared Definitions of Readiness

States should send a strong, consistent message to students, families, educators, and employers about what it means to be truly “ready” for college and career. This includes:

• Defining college and career readiness in clear, measurable terms
• Identifying which metrics can be used to determine students’ acquisition of durable skills
• Embedding durable skills into work-based learning, capstone projects, and other real-world experiences

3. Develop Systems to Measure and Report Progress

Ensure students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate durable skills through varied assessments and authentic learning experiences. Track how students are progressing toward readiness and share this information in ways that are transparent and actionable for families, educators, and communities.

States should also expand their definitions of readiness to include durable skills in public accountability systems and student reporting tools. This ensures that durable skills are not just aspirational. They’re measurable, reportable, and valued as part of a complete education.