New York State Education Department Adopts Portrait of a Graduate Framework

In a pivotal meeting held on August 27, 2025, the Eastport-South Manor Central School District (ESM CSD) Board of Education delved into the significant developments stemming from the Blue Ribbon Commission on graduation requirements. This commission, established in April 2019 by then-Chancellor Betty Rosa, aimed to reshape the landscape of educational standards and graduation measures in New York State.

The commission's journey began with a diverse group of 68 members, including educators, parents, and students, who engaged in an innovative online thought exchange to gather insights and feedback. Among them was ESM student Samantha Bruno, who expressed pride in representing her peers and emphasized the importance of student voices in shaping educational policies.

The commission's findings culminated in a comprehensive report released in November 2023, outlining four key goals: creating multiple pathways to a single diploma, enhancing assessment flexibility, equipping students with life-ready skills, and integrating culturally responsive curricula. From an initial 57 recommendations, the commission distilled its insights into 12 actionable recommendations, which were presented to the Board of Regents in June 2024.

A significant milestone was reached in July 2025 when the Board of Regents adopted the "Portrait of a Graduate," a framework designed to redefine what it means to graduate from high school in New York. This framework emphasizes a culturally responsive education and outlines six essential competencies that students should demonstrate upon graduation.

Looking ahead, the Board discussed a five-year implementation timeline, with the first cohort of students expected to graduate under the new requirements in 2028. This transition includes redefining what constitutes a credit and updating learning standards to align with the new graduation framework. The phased-out assessment requirements, particularly concerning Regents exams, will begin with the 2027 cohort.

As the meeting concluded, the board members acknowledged the importance of ongoing guidance from the state education department to ensure a smooth transition to these new standards. The overarching goal remains clear: to provide students with diverse opportunities to demonstrate mastery in various subjects, moving beyond traditional standardized testing methods.

The discussions at this meeting mark a significant step toward a more inclusive and flexible educational system, one that aims to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. As ESM CSD continues to monitor developments and align its practices with the new portrait of a graduate, the future of education in the district looks promising and transformative.