About GFT

The framework behind Proof of a Graduate.

Gayle Formation Theory was developed by Dr. Michael S. Gayle, Ed.D.C.T. It began as a research question: what would it take to make the claims schools already publish about their graduates — persistence, creativity, ownership, systems thinking — actually visible, measurable, and defensible?

GFT's foundations trace back to Dr. Gayle's doctoral research at Teachers College, Columbia University. That academic origin is historical: Teachers College and Columbia University do not sponsor, own, operate, validate, or endorse the GFT platform, and no current institutional affiliation is implied.

Fifteen years of research and iteration, K-12 partnerships, and hundreds of student case studies later, GFT has become a shared operating system for schools, districts, and the educators inside them. Six domains. One 4-point rating scale. One credential ladder. One clear line from a Portrait of a Graduate to a Proof of a Graduate.

Three young adults photographed against a deep navy backdrop — the Portrait of a Graduate GFT is designed to make provable — Portrait of a Graduate → Proof of a Graduate

About Gayle Solutions

The parent company.

GayleSolutions is the independent parent company that develops and operates Gayle Formation Theory. Gayle Formation Theory is the company's flagship educational framework and certification platform.

GayleSolutions is based in Elmont, New York, and owns all intellectual property associated with GFT, including its framework, rubrics, certification pathways, GFI and SFI methodology, and platform.