Portrait of a Graduate
State Education Department staff today presented a revised New York State Portrait of a Graduate to the Board of Regents, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced. This presentation is the most recent update to SED’s “New York Inspires” plan to transform education in the state, first introduced in November 2024. The Portrait of a Graduate will serve as the guiding framework for the state’s education system and create a shared understanding of the skills and knowledge students are expected to demonstrate upon high school graduation.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “The Portrait of a Graduate captures the comprehensive vision New York State holds for its students, blending academic mastery with essential life skills. It affirms that a diploma is not merely a certificate, but a testament to each graduate’s readiness to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world. As we move closer to implementing new graduation measures, the Portrait of a Graduate will guide the way as we commit to developing well-rounded, future-ready individuals.”
Commissioner Rosa said, “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.”
A New York State high school graduate will be:
- Academically Prepared: by demonstrating a strong foundation in the New York State learning standards and being equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in college, careers, civic engagement, service, and life.
- A Creative Innovator: by utilizing imagination, curiosity, and flexible thinking to solve problems creatively, and develop new ideas and products, while adapting to evolving circumstances and challenges.
- A Critical Thinker: by analyzing information thoughtfully, evaluating evidence critically, and identifying patterns and connections between different pieces of information (across multiple content areas) to address complex issues and navigate the world with insight.
- An Effective Communicator: by articulating ideas clearly and confidently through speaking, writing, and the use of different types of media for various purposes, while engaging with diverse audiences and actively listening to different perspectives.
- A Global Citizen: by acting responsibly and ethically within local, global, and digital communities, employing civic knowledge, skills, and mindsets to promote global sustainability and contribute positively to a culturally diverse, democratic society.
- Reflective and Future Focused: by engaging in self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for growth, setting meaningful goals, using social awareness to maintain supportive relationships, and demonstrating responsible decision-making that prioritizes social, emotional, and mental well-being.
These six attributes are centered around Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education. A New York State high school graduate who is culturally responsive will build strong, respectful relationships, valuing diverse perspectives as essential to a rigorous, inclusive learning community. Concurrently, 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. Ultimately, these graduates will be equipped with the interpersonal and intellectual skills needed to thrive in an interconnected, ever-changing world.
