In 2024, New York state leaders announced a bold initiative to reimagine the state’s diploma requirements for high school students. At the center of the state’s vision is a new Portrait of a Graduate that encompasses the essential skills, knowledge, mindsets, and attributes needed for success in college and careers. Under the proposed graduation requirements, which will come into effect over the next few years, students will need to demonstrate competency in each of the seven components of the Portrait in order to earn a diploma.

The new Portrait will also guide local high school redesign efforts, including the Imagine NYC Schools and FutureReadyNYC initiatives currently being undertaken by New York City Public Schools in partnership with XQ Institute. These initiatives engage students, teachers, families, and community members to design high school models that prepare every student for a range of postsecondary options and opportunities.

To build on this work, state leaders could consider creating greater flexibility from seat time requirements and explore opportunities for a statewide initiative with dedicated resources to incentivize high school redesign.