Lester W. Young, Jr. Board of Regents Chancellor at New York City Department Of Education | New York City Department Of Education
State Education Department staff presented a revised New York State Portrait of a Graduate to the Board of Regents, as announced by Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. This update is part of the ongoing "New York Inspires" plan to transform education in the state, which began in November 2024. The Portrait of a Graduate will act as a framework for New York's education system, aiming to clarify the skills and knowledge students should have upon graduating high school.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. remarked, “The Portrait of a Graduate captures the comprehensive vision New York State holds for its students, blending academic mastery with essential life skills. It affirms that a diploma is not merely a certificate, but a testament to each graduate’s readiness to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world."
Commissioner Rosa emphasized that the portrait serves as "a blueprint for future graduates," highlighting the importance of academic excellence alongside personal growth.
The updated portrait supports educators in preparing students for real-world challenges by fostering flexibility and creativity in teaching methods. Stakeholders identified several opportunities during ambassador forums, including increased flexibility and student choice, multiple pathways to graduation, holistic education, career readiness, and an equitable education system.
A New York State high school graduate will be expected to be academically prepared, creative innovators, critical thinkers, effective communicators, global citizens, and reflective with a future-focused mindset. These attributes are aligned with Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education principles.
Department staff aim to propose regulatory amendments for adopting the final portrait by November 2025 with full implementation planned for Fall 2029.
In 2019, the Graduation Measures Initiative was launched by the New York State Board of Regents and Education Department to redefine what a state diploma should represent. The initiative focuses on educational excellence and equity while incorporating diversity and inclusion principles based on recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission in November 2023.
Further details about this initiative can be found on the Department’s Graduation Measures website.
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