Gayle Formation Theory
The framework, in full.
Six domains. A 4-point rating scale. Four grade bands. A single narrative arc from Portrait of a Graduate to Proof of a Graduate.
The six domains
Weights are fixed. They sum to 100%. Every SFI, GFI, gradebook, and dashboard derives from these.
- Executive FunctionEF · 25%
- The self-management engine — planning, focus, follow-through.
- Cognitive DualityCD · 20%
- The ability to hold structural rigor and adaptive integration at once (CD = SI × AI).
- Progressive ResponsibilityPR · 15%
- Ownership that scales — students taking on more of their own formation over time.
- Systems ThinkingST · 15%
- Seeing wholes, feedback loops, and interdependence across disciplines.
- TransferabilityTR · 15%
- Applying learning across novel domains and unfamiliar contexts.
- Innovation & EntrepreneurshipIE · 10%
- Turning capability into value — for self, community, and the world.
The 4-point rating scale
- 1 · Emerging0–59
The capability is beginning to appear, but is inconsistent or requires significant scaffolding.
- 2 · Developing60–74
The capability is emerging with support, and is starting to transfer across familiar contexts.
- 3 · Proficient75–89
The student meets the standard independently across the required contexts. Required for certification.
- 4 · Advanced90–100
The student exceeds the standard, extending and adapting the capability into novel situations.
Certification requires Proficient or above on every required dimension at the target level.
Four grade bands
Every rubric criterion is written and interpreted through the appropriate developmental grade band.
- K-2
- 3-5
- 6-8
- 9-12
From Portrait of a Graduate to Proof of a Graduate.
The Portrait describes the graduate a community wants to produce. GFT provides the evidence layer that turns that portrait into something you can teach toward, rate reliably, and defend publicly. That is the through line of every page on this platform.