Board hears NYSED 27Portrait of a Graduate27 overview; district to plan for competency-based diploma changes

Miss Amerling told the board on Oct. 27 that New York State27s Portrait of a Graduate, adopted by the state education department, defines competencies that students should demonstrate before graduating high school and will drive changes in credit, assessment and diploma structures.

The portrait centers culturally responsive sustaining education and names six graduate attributes: academically prepared, creative innovator, critical thinker, effective communicator, global citizen, and reflective/future focused. The framework emphasizes demonstration of proficiency through multiple evidence types (capstone projects, portfolios, work-based learning, industry credentials or Regents exams) rather than relying solely on standardized exams.

Amerling said the state is moving toward a single diploma that reflects consistent statewide outcomes. Local designations such as local and advanced Regents diplomas would be removed in favor of a common diploma, with local seals and endorsements available for distinction. The district was told the change will affect cohorts entering ninth grade beginning with the transition phase (students entering ninth grade in '27 are part of the transition cohort) and full implementation for cohorts entering in '29 and later.

New graduation requirements will include financial literacy and career and technical education components, Amerling said; how districts will implement those elements (embedded units vs. standalone courses) remains under state guidance. The district has begun planning, professional development and faculty briefings and expects further state guidance before making curricular changes that affect current students.

Board members asked clarifying questions; Amerling said the district will provide additional presentations and updates as details become clear.