Malone families,
In November of 2024, the New York State Education Department announced the NY Inspires initiative which will gradually change how students demonstrate readiness for graduation. For this year’s freshman class, current course-credit requirements remain in place, while changes to diploma and exam requirements are planned to take effect before they graduate.
NY Inspires has four major components:
A Portrait of a Graduate describing the knowledge and skills students need, along with the New York State learning standards.
Expanded ways to earn credits and demonstrate learning through pathways to graduation which allow them to build the skills they will need for college and careers.
An end to passing a prescribed set of exams as a separate diploma requirement. Students will still take exams, and they may opt to use them to demonstrate their learning, but they will not be the only option.
One New York State high school diploma, with optional seals and endorsements recognizing additional achievement.
Regents Exams will continue
Students will still be required to sit for applicable Regents Exams. NY Inspires does not eliminate these exams or other statewide testing that starts in grade 3. What is changing is their role in graduation: beginning with students graduating in 2028, Regents Exams and other statewide assessments will continue to be one tool used by the state to measure student achievement statewide, assess New York’s state standards, and provide transparency and accountability, but they will not be a requirement to earn a diploma.
Changes are being phased in and require Board of Regents approval. Until new requirements take effect, existing graduation requirements remain in effect. We will share updates as NYSED finalizes guidance. The FA principal will share additional updates for high school students throughout the 2026-2027 school year. For questions about your child’s courses, exams, or graduation pathway, please contact their school counselor.
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