The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has officially adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, a statewide framework that outlines the knowledge, skills, and attributes students should develop by the time they graduate from high school.
The Portrait of a Graduate reflects a shared vision for preparing students not only for college and careers, but also for civic life and success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It emphasizes academic readiness while also highlighting the importance of creativity, critical thinking, communication, and social awareness.
What Is the Portrait of a Graduate?
The Portrait of a Graduate describes a New York State high school graduate as one who is culturally responsive and prepared to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society. According to NYSED, graduates should demonstrate strengths in six key areas:
Academically Prepared: Builds a strong foundation in New York State learning standards to support success in college, careers, civic engagement, and life.
Creative Innovator: Uses imagination, curiosity, and flexible thinking to solve problems and adapt to new challenges.
Critical Thinker: Analyzes information, evaluates evidence, and makes thoughtful connections across disciplines.
Effective Communicator: Clearly expresses ideas through speaking, writing, and various forms of media while engaging diverse audiences.
Global Citizen: Acts responsibly and ethically within local, global, and digital communities.
Reflective and Future-Focused: Engages in self-reflection, goal-setting, and responsible decision-making that supports personal well-being.
Why Was the Portrait Developed?
The Portrait of a Graduate was developed through feedback from educators, families, students, and community stakeholders across New York State. It reflects research, best practices, and similar work already taking place in districts throughout the state.
NYSED describes the Portrait as a forward-looking framework that balances academic excellence with the real-world skills students need to thrive as engaged, thoughtful citizens.
What Does This Mean for Otselic Valley Right Now?
At this time, the adoption of the Portrait of a Graduate does not change current graduation requirements. Students at Otselic Valley will continue to graduate under existing New York State diploma requirements.
NYSED has encouraged districts to begin raising awareness of the Portrait of a Graduate and to share information with families, staff, and community members. This phase focuses on learning, reflection, and conversation, not immediate changes to programs or graduation expectations.
Looking Ahead
Additional state guidance to support local implementation of the Portrait of a Graduate is expected by summer 2027. Statewide alignment with the Portrait will begin with students entering ninth grade during the 2029-2030 school year.
Otselic Valley Central School District will continue to communicate with families and the community as more information becomes available and as we learn how this statewide vision aligns with the strengths already present in our school.
Additional Resources
Families and students can learn more about the New York State Portrait of a Graduate by reviewing the following guides:
Learn More
For additional information about the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, visit the New York State Education Department's website.