To the Salem Central School District Community,
We are writing to share information regarding a recent announcement from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents concerning the future of New York State high school graduation requirements.
As part of the state’s NY Inspires initiative, New York is exploring changes to how students demonstrate readiness for graduation and life after high school. At its September meeting, the Board of Regents approved a framework for changes, and additional guidance and regulations are expected later this school year. Until those regulations are formally adopted, all current graduation requirements remain in effect.
It is anticipated that beginning with students who graduate in 2028, New York will transition to a single high school diploma pathway. As part of this change, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams as a separate requirement for earning a diploma.
It is important to note that Regents examinations are not being eliminated. They will continue to be administered and remain an important measure of student achievement and mastery of New York State learning standards. While much of the recent discussion has focused on Regents examinations, they are only one component of the broader work underway to modernize New York State's graduation and assessment system. As part of this effort, New York State is exploring additional ways for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies they develop throughout their educational experience and their readiness for success beyond high school.
What This Means for Students Right Now
For the 2026-27 school year, all current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect. Students should continue to attend classes regularly, complete all required coursework and credits, prepare for and take Regents examinations as scheduled, and follow their current academic plans.
At this time, there are no immediate changes to student schedules, course requirements, or academic expectations.
Looking Ahead
New York State is gradually moving toward a broader approach to determining student readiness for life after high school. This work is guided by the state’s Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and qualities students should develop before graduation.
The Portrait of a Graduate identifies six key attributes:
Academically Prepared
Creative Innovator
Critical Thinker
Effective Communicator
Global Citizen
Reflective and Future Focused
These attributes reflect the state's vision for ensuring all students graduate ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Until any changes take effect, students should continue to follow all existing course, credit, and Regents examination requirements. We will continue to keep families informed as additional guidance becomes available and will approach any future changes with students at the center of our planning and decision-making.
Happening at Salem CSD
To prepare for these changes, Salem CSD has joined Redefining Ready NY, a statewide network of school and district leaders collaborating to design and implement graduation pathways aligned with the new requirements. Our local transition team is developing an implementation plan that not only meets NYSED's expectations but also builds on Salem's unique strengths, including our Agricultural Science program, Work-Based Learning opportunities, and other career-connected learning experiences.
As NYSED continues to provide additional guidance, we will keep families and our community informed throughout this transition. If you have not already, I encourage parents and guardians to join us on ParentSquare, our school-to-home communication platform that allows for two-way messaging. Community members can sign up for our Community Group on ParentSquare to stay informed about district news, events, and announcements.
If you have specific questions about the changes, please contact your building principal or building counselor. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students. Together, we remain committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that prepare every student for success and fulfill our mission of making Every Student Future Ready.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Collier
Superintendent of Schools