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Portrait of a Graduate

Portrait of a Graduate

What does it mean for a student to be truly prepared for life after high school? The New York State Portrait of a Graduate outlines the skills, knowledge, and mindsets students will need to succeed in college, careers, and their communities. Learn more about this statewide vision and what it means for students in the Mexico Academy & Central School District.

New York State Portrait of a Graduate

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, a statewide framework that describes the knowledge, skills, and attributes students should develop by the time they graduate from high school.

The Portrait of a Graduate reflects a shared vision for preparing students not only for college and careers, but also for civic life and success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. In addition to strong academic preparation, the framework emphasizes skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, and social awareness.

What Does This Mean for MACS?

At this time, the adoption of the Portrait of a Graduate does not change current graduation requirements. Students at MACS will continue to graduate under the existing New York State diploma requirements.

NYSED has encouraged school districts to begin raising awareness and sharing information about the Portrait of a Graduate with families, staff, and community members. This phase focuses on learning and discussion rather than immediate program or graduation changes.

Looking Ahead

Additional guidance from NYSED to support local implementation is expected by summer 2027. Statewide alignment with the Portrait of a Graduate is anticipated to begin with students entering ninth grade in the 2029–2030 school year.

MACS will continue to share updates with families and the community as more information becomes available and as we explore how this statewide vision connects with the strengths already present in our schools.

Portrait of a Graduate Timeline

  • Portrait of a Graduate framework

  • Phase 1: Installation

    Installation: Fall 2025 - Summer 2027

    Portrait of a Graduate

    • Release Portrait of a Graduate rubrics with guidance

    Learning Expectations

    • Release prioritized, reformatted learning standards with guidance
    • Require instruction in financial literacy and climate education (effective SY 26-27)
    • Release details on new credit requirement (cohort phase-in)

    Support Networks

    • NYSED will continue workgroups and advisory panels
    • Continue communication channels to disseminate and support changes to future diploma requirements

    This presentation information can be found on page 18 of the November 2024 Presentation: NY Inspires - A Plan to Transform Education in New York State

    A graphic with text and images about an installation, with students walking in the background.

  • Phase 2: Initial Implementation

    Initial Implementation: Fall 2027 - Summer 2029

    One Diploma

    • Move to one diploma for all students

    Diploma Assessments

    • Sunset diploma assessment requirements for all students
    • Redefine seals and endorsements, including to allow district-developed assessments

    Learning Expectations

    • Redefine credit to expand ways students earn credit
    • Students entering grade 9 in 2027, and beyond, are required to earn one CTE credit, which could include financial literacy

    Support Networks

    • Guidance to support innovation as districts move to implement POG and prioritized learning standards
    • Professional learning opportunities
    • Regional learning networks

    This presentation information can be found on page 20 of the November 2024 Presentation: NY Inspires - A Plan to Transform Education in New York State

    A woman in a headscarf smiles while looking at a presentation slide.

  • Phase 3: Full Implementation and Scaling Up

    Full Implementation and Scaling Up: Fall 2029

    Cohort Phase-In

    • New system will be phased in beginning with students who enter grade 9 in 2029- 2030 (Cohort 2029)

    New Statewide Transcript

    • New statewide transcript requirements
    • Transcript will document proficiency in both Portrait of a Graduate and prioritized learning standards

    Support Networks

    • Highlight and disseminate best practices as districts implement the Portrait of a Graduate and prioritized learning standards
    • Support administration of new assessments aligned to prioritized learning standards
    • Support new transcript requirements

    This presentation information can be found on page 22 of the November 2024 Presentation: NY Inspires - A Plan to Transform Education in New York State

    A diverse group of people collaborate around a laptop, discussing a presentation.

  • Diploma Requirements by Cohort

    Cohort 2023 and Prior

    • Current diploma requirements* leading to one of three diplomas (Local, Regents, or Regents with Advanced Designation)

    * Eligible students may request an exemption due to major life events

    Cohorts 2024-2026

    • One diploma, advanced designation as a seal of distinction
    • Current credit requirements
    • Diploma assessment requirements decoupled by Fall 2027

    Cohort 2027-2028

    • One diploma, redefined seals and endorsements including advanced designation
    • New credit requirements
    • Sunset diploma assessment requirements

    Cohort 2029

    • One diploma, redefined seals and endorsements including advanced designation
    • Statewide transcript required
    • Proficiency in both learning standards and the Portrait of a Graduate required

    This presentation information can be found on page 24 of the November 2024 Presentation: NY Inspires - A Plan to Transform Education in New York StateA slide titled 'Diploma Requirements by Cohort' displays information in a blue and white color scheme.

Cohort Details

Cohorts are defined by the year a student enters 9th grade. For example, current 11th graders are considered Cohort 2023, with their freshman year beginning that 2023-2024 academic year. Current 5th graders are considered Cohort 2029, meaning they begin their freshman year during the 2029-2030 academic year.

A diagram titled 'Cohort - Proposed Changes' outlines educational program adjustments.

"New York State students who embody cultural responsiveness and academic readiness—demonstrating creativity, critical thinking, communication, reflection, and global awareness—will be prepared to learn, grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. These graduates will be equipped with the interpersonal and intellectual skills needed to thrive in an interconnected, ever-evolving world" -NYS Education Dept.

Resources and Information

Infographic titled 'Portrait of a Graduate' with a circular design and text.

Memos and Presentations

Need to Know