The Fayetteville-Manlius School District has been closely monitoring the development of the New York State Education Department’s Portrait of a Graduate. The New York State Board of Regents officially adopted the framework during its July 2025 meeting.
The Portrait of a Graduate is the Education Department’s comprehensive vision to transform public education in the state by 2029. At this time, current graduation requirements and the three-tiered diploma system are still in effect. Current fifth graders will be the first class of students required to demonstrate proficiency in the state’s new graduation standards.
The shift is expected to take place in four steps which are detailed below. These will be implemented slowly to limit the impact on students and staff.
1 – Adopting the NYS Portrait of a Graduate
The Portrait of a Graduate framework defines the skills and dispositions students in New York should be expected to demonstrate to earn a diploma. The Portrait emphasizes academic excellence, civic engagement and real-world readiness.
2 – Redefining Credits and Learning Experiences
It is expected that the new diploma requirements will be organized around the Portrait of a Graduate components. Students will earn credit through diverse experiences such as internships, capstone projects, service learning and CTE programs. Financial literacy and climate education are required starting in the 2026–27 school year, however curriculum requirements in these areas have yet to be released.
3 – Sunsetting Diploma Assessment Requirements
Under the plan, traditional Regents exams and +1 Pathway Assessments will no longer be required for graduation. This doesn’t mean Regents exams are disappearing, but instead, students are expected to be able to demonstrate proficiency through multiple means, including portfolios and locally developed assessments. Note that assessments intended to meet federal accountability requirements will still be administered.
4 – One NYS High School Diploma
The current three-tier diploma system will be replaced with a single diploma. Advanced designations in the form of seals or endorsements will also be available, allowing students to personalize their school experience and graduation credentials.
The overall goal of the Portrait of a Graduate already aligns with the district’s strategic plan. F-M aims to inspire students and promote personal success – ensuring students graduate, not only academically prepared, but equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed later in life.
The District Curriculum Council has also been working behind the scenes, proactively preparing for this shift. They have created a comprehensive Portrait of a K-12 Learner that is aligned with the Portrait of a Graduate. They are also identifying curriculum, instruction, and assessment areas across the district that already align with the framework.
The district is ready to support students, staff, and families through this transition and wants all stakeholders to feel informed during the process. Some helpful resources are available through the State Education Department like “Need-to-Know” documents for all stakeholders. They provide role-specific guidance for students, staff, parents, and more. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions webpage.