Forums Set On NY's "Overdue" Changes To HS Graduation Requirements

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As New York education officials move closer to sweeping changes in graduation requirements for the state's public high schools, the Dutchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services will host two forums on the transformative proposals so parents and educators can learn more.

One of the forum leaders will be the Beacon school administrator who chaired the steering committee of the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Support Sagrario Rudecindo-O’Neill, who called the proposed changes "long overdue."

It's not the end of standardized testing, something parents have increasingly rebelled against across New York. Students would continue to be assessed through multiple measures at the local level and still take specific state-level assessments required by federal law.

It does include four major changes:

• Adopt a "New York State Portrait of a Graduate" as the framework for diploma requirements. It has seven elements: Critical Thinking, Innovative Problem Solver, Literate Across Content Areas, Cultural Competence, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen.
• Redefine credits, organizing them around the "portrait" — adding career and technical education and financial literacy requirements and expanding ways for students to show proficiency.
• Eliminate the need to pass the Regents or a pathway assessment to graduate. Regents exams would continue as one of the measures by which students may demonstrate their proficiency in meeting the state's learning standards.
• Offer one diploma statewide with advanced designations via a seal or endorsement.

"The educational transformation we envision reflects the thoughtful input we received from our stakeholders – particularly from public school students and their families," Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said in June when the New York State Education Department presented its vision, based on recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures.

Go here for the commission's report.

NYSED is conducting a series of Blue Ribbon Commission "Ambassador Forums" to give the public a chance to share their thoughts about the four proposed transformations.

The Dutchess County forums will be led by Rudecindo-O’Neill and Pawling Central School District Superintendent Kim Fontana.

"I’m very excited about this,” Fontana said. “This is an opportunity for New York to bring our education more in line with the 21st century. The recommendations allow students to have more opportunities to tailor their education across components and provide a more meaningful school experience."

The forums will be held at the Dutchess BOCES Conference Center, 5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie. Click the links to register.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

• Educator forum, 4:30-6 p.m.
• Public forum, 6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19

• Educator forum, 4:30-6 p.m.
• Public forum, 6:30-8 p.m.

“The biggest takeaway I hope people will walk away with is that they received accurate information and that they find the recommendations to be hopeful and long overdue for New York students,” said Rudecindo-O’Neill. “I hope they see this as an opportunity for students, something that enhances the rigor but is equitable.”

Can't make it to either of the BOCES forums? You can weigh in online until Oct. 6.

What thoughts do you have about the four transformations related to future diploma requirements (adopt the portrait of a graduate, redefine credits, sunset diploma assessment requirements, move to one diploma)? Participate in the discussion via ThoughtExchange

The deadline to respond is Oct. 6.

In November, the Education Department’s implementation plan will be presented to the Board of Regents with projected timelines, affected regulations, and other considerations. The Board must approve any changes to the state’s graduation requirements; until such time, the existing graduation requirements remain in effect for all public school students in New York.

"True equity and excellence in education is achievable – but only if we provide all students with meaningful educational opportunities and multiple avenues for them to demonstrate their mastery of the State’s rigorous learning standards," Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said in June. "Our job is to prepare students for a lifetime of continuous learning, fulfilling careers, and informed civic engagement. Let's provide them with the tools to do that – and then let's stand back and watch as they pursue their own pathway to success."