New York adopts updated portrait of graduate after board approval

Following a presentation and discussion at the Board of Regents meeting, the updated Portrait of a Graduate was officially adopted. The Department expressed enthusiasm for the Board's support of this finalized version, which was informed by stakeholder feedback, research reviews, and practices from other school districts and states.

The Portrait of a Graduate is designed as a framework where academic excellence meets the needs of a changing world. It aims to prepare students for college, careers, and life as engaged citizens.

In 2019, the New York State Board of Regents and Education Department initiated the Graduation Measures Initiative to define what a New York State diploma should represent. This initiative focuses on educational excellence and equity for all students. It builds on commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and is based on the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. The goals are to advance equity in public education systems in New York State and ensure that students acquire necessary knowledge and skills.

In November 2023, recommendations were presented by the Blue Ribbon Commission. In November 2024, the NY Inspires Plan was introduced with a timeline for implementing these recommendations, including adopting the Portrait of a Graduate.

Further details about this initiative can be found on the Department’s Graduation Measures website.