Preparing Students for the Future
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, a statewide framework that outlines 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 academic readiness, the framework emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, communication, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. According to NYSED, a New York State graduate should demonstrate strengths in six key areas:
- Academically Prepared
- Creative Innovator
- Critical Thinker
- Effective Communicator
- Global Citizen
- Reflective and Future-Focused
The Portrait of a Graduate was developed through feedback from educators, families, students, and community stakeholders across New York State, and reflects a forward-looking approach that balances academic excellence with real-world skills needed for lifelong success. At this time, adoption of the Portrait of a Graduate does not change current graduation requirements. Otselic Valley students will continue to graduate under existing New York State diploma requirements. NYSED has encouraged school districts to begin raising awareness of the Portrait as part of an initial phase focused on learning, reflection, and conversation, not immediate changes to programs or graduation expectations.
Additional state guidance 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.
We will continue to share updates with families and the community as more information becomes available.
“The Portrait of a Graduate is a blueprint for future graduates, where academic excellence meets the ever-evolving world outside the classroom. It paints a picture of students who are not just knowledgeable, but also curious, compassionate, and capable of turning challenges into opportunities. It is a testament to the belief that education is not just about learning facts, but about becoming the kind of person who can change the world for the better.” – Betty A. Rosa, New York State Education Commissioner
This information is based on guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED).