The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has released a plan to transform public education by 2029. This statewide initiative is designed to ensure that every New York student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in the workplace and civic life.

A key component of this work involves revising graduation requirements so that students are recognized not only for academic achievement, but also for developing real-world skills that will serve them beyond high school. These changes emphasize hands-on, authentic learning opportunities and provide students with multiple ways to demonstrate their understanding of a topic.

NYSED has established a multi-year implementation timeline, allowing school districts the time needed to thoughtfully adjust programs and practices without disrupting current instruction. Under this timeline, students who are fifth graders during the 2025–26 school year will be the first cohort to graduate under the new learning standards. Full implementation of the new graduation framework is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2029.

In the Salem Central School District, our transition team, including administrators, counselors, and teachers, will be beginning the important work of developing a local implementation plan that aligns with the state’s vision for student success. This work will ensure that our programs continue to meet the needs of our students while preparing them for the future demands of an ever-changing world.

As NYSED releases additional guidance and information, we will continue to keep the Salem community informed and engaged.

To support districts through this transition, NYSED introduced the Portrait of a Graduate framework in fall 2025. This framework clearly defines the essential skills, knowledge, and dispositions that every student should demonstrate in order to earn a New York state diploma.

A New York State high school graduate who is culturally responsive builds strong, respectful relationships, valuing diverse perspectives as essential to a rigorous, inclusive learning community. 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.

This framework outlines seven essential areas where students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency: