New York State Education Department Unveils Major Overhaul of Education System
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is planning a significant transformation of the state’s education system through the "NY Inspires" initiative, a $11.5 million project aimed at giving students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
Redefining the High School Experience
The initiative will adopt the "Portrait of a Graduate" and streamline the path to graduation. Each change in "NY Inspires" will need to be approved by the Board of Regents to be adopted. The full plan is available at the bottom of this story.
Three-Phase Implementation
Schools will transition in three phases, beginning with the current 2024 to 2025 school year. The first phase focuses on planning, training, developing rubrics, and introducing exemptions for students experiencing major life events.
Phase 1 (2024-2025)
- Introduce new credit requirements
- Develop rubrics for the Portrait of a Graduate
- Introduce exemptions for students experiencing major life events
Phase 2 (2026-2027)
- Share new credit requirements
- Introduce new rubrics and guidance for the Portrait of a Graduate
- Mandate financial literacy and climate education
Phase 3 (2029)
- Introduce the one-diploma system
- Phase out current diploma assessments
- Implement new credit requirements
- Fully implement the new system, including new transcripts and updated standards
Student Cohorts and Requirements
- Cohorts 2024-2026: Shift to one diploma with an optional advanced designation seal
- Cohorts 2027-2028: New credit requirements and updated seals
- Cohort 2029 onward: Proficiency-based transcripts and the new Portrait of a Graduate
Conclusion
NYSED’s approach aims to help students meet new learning standards fairly, with a more comprehensive evaluation of what they’ve learned. The plan also provides guidance and professional training to educators and administrators throughout the transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of the NY Inspires initiative?
A: The goal is to give students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
Q: How long will the implementation process take?
A: The process will take place in three phases, from 2024 to 2029.
Q: How will students be evaluated under the new system?
A: Students will demonstrate proficiency in both the updated learning standards and the Portrait of a Graduate to graduate.
Q: What is the Portrait of a Graduate?
A: The Portrait of a Graduate is a new approach to high school education that focuses on giving students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high school and beyond.
Q: How will educators and administrators be trained for the new system?
A: Educators and administrators will receive guidance and professional training throughout the transformation.
[Download the full plan here: NY-InspiresDownload]
