← Schools · Portrait of a Graduate, explained · Board kit
Run a Portrait of a Graduate family night in 35 minutes
Everything a principal needs, ready tonight: a minute-by-minute plan, 14 slides with speaker notes, a one-page handout, a QR poster, an invitation, a reminder and an exit slip. A 15-minute staff version too. English and Spanish. Free, no account.
1 · Your school
Type once. The slides, letter, reminder and poster fill in by themselves.
What you type stays on this device only. Nothing is sent to Goal100 or anyone else.
2 · Run of show (35 to 40 minutes)
Minute by minute. The slide numbers match the deck below.
| Time | Slides | What happens | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| −30 min | — | Set up: test the projector, open the slides in full screen, test the clicker. Put handouts (English and Spanish), exit slips, pencils and the QR poster at the door. | Tech lead, greeters |
| −10 min | — | Doors open. Greet families, hand out the one-page handout. Slide 1 on screen. | Greeters |
| 0:00-0:03 | 1-2 | Welcome. Why we are here. Say how long it takes. | Principal |
| 0:03-0:09 | 3-5 | One sentence. Six words. What it is NOT (no new test). | Principal |
| 0:09-0:14 | 6-7 | How students show it. Real class example, then 1-minute neighbor talk. | Principal or a teacher |
| 0:14-0:21 | 8-9 | NY Inspires, and what changes by grade. Families find their child's grade. | Principal or counselor |
| 0:21-0:24 | 10-11 | What stays the same now. What is still being decided. | Principal |
| 0:24-0:28 | 12 | At home: everyone tries one dinner question with a neighbor. | Everyone |
| 0:28-0:35 | 13 | Questions. Repeat each question into the microphone. Write down any you cannot answer. | Principal, counselor, question runner |
| 0:35-0:40 | 14 | Exit slip and QR code. Thank you. | Exit slip team |
| Next day | — | Count the exit slips. Answer open questions in writing within a week. Send the handout home in both languages. | Principal, office |
Before the night: checklist
·
3 · Slides
Present right here: big type, made for projectors and smart boards. Notes for the speaker under every slide.
Speaker notes
Staff meeting run of show (15 minutes)
| Time | Slides | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00-0:01 | 1 | Goal of the 15 minutes. |
| 0:01-0:04 | 2 | The six attributes. Which one do you see most in your room? |
| 0:04-0:07 | 3 | Decided, and not yet: read the colored labels. |
| 0:07-0:09 | 4 | When it reaches each grade. |
| 0:09-0:11 | 5 | It is already in your lessons: pair talk, 1 minute. |
| 0:11-0:13 | 6 | Family night roles: volunteers sign up. |
| 0:13-0:15 | 7 | One move for next week. Close on time. |
Speaker notes
Clicker and keyboard: Page Down, → or space = next · Page Up or ← = back · F = full screen · N = notes · B = black screen · Esc = leave. On a smart board or tablet: tap the right side to go on, the left side to go back, or swipe.
The 🌎 ES button at the top switches the slides to Spanish. In PowerPoint, type your school name on slide 1.
4 · One-page handout
Print one for every family, in the language they read. Every fact shows its status and source.
Portrait of a Graduate: one page for families
Our school · Family night
Adopted New York's Portrait of a Graduate describes the skills and qualities every graduate should have.[1,2] Adopted Adopted by the Board of Regents on July 14, 2025.[3,4]
The 6 attributes
- Academically Prepared: A strong base in the NYS learning standards.
- Creative Innovator: Imagines, tries new ideas, adapts.
- Critical Thinker: Weighs evidence, finds connections.
- Effective Communicator: Speaks and writes clearly, and listens.
- Global Citizen: Acts responsibly in local, global and digital communities.
- Reflective and Future Focused: Knows strengths, sets goals, cares for well-being.
Adopted [1,5]
What it is NOT
Adopted Not a test, not a grade, not a separate class. It shows up across all subjects.[1,6]
What changes, by grade in 2026-27
| Grade 12 now | Adopted Today's rules: three diploma types and the required Regents exams.[4,7] |
| Grades 9-11 now | Proposed Same credits as today. Would not need to pass Regents exams to graduate, but still takes them. One diploma with seals and endorsements.[4,8] |
| Grades 7-8 now | Proposed Would also need a career-connected learning experience. No required Regents passing. One diploma.[4,9] |
| Grade 6 and younger | Proposed A new competency-based system. The specific requirements are not published yet.[4,10] |
Adopted Today's graduation requirements stay in effect until the Board of Regents approves changes.[4,11]
Adopted Regents exams are not disappearing; their role in the diploma is what changes.[12]
- What did you make or try today that was new?
- How do you know that is true?
- What is one goal for this week?
Free guide, no account:
State updates: nysed.gov/ny-inspires · Questions: GradMeasures@nysed.gov[6]
Sources (NYSED and Board of Regents): [1] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/grad-measures/portrait-of-a-graduate.pdf [2] nysed.gov/ny-inspires/vision [3] nysed.gov/news/2025/board-regents-and-department-adopt-new-york-state-portrait-graduate [4] nysed.gov/ny-inspires/transformation-timeline [5] regents.nysed.gov/sites/regents/files/FB%20Monday%20-%20NY%20Inspires-New%20York%20State%20Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate%20.pdf [6] nysed.gov/grad-measures/new-york-state-portrait-graduate [7] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/final_ny-inspires_0125.pdf [8] nysed.gov/news/2026/nysed-advances-next-phase-ny-inspires-education-transformation [9] nysed.gov/grad-measures/frequently-asked-questions-related-new-york-state-graduation-measures-initiative [10] nysed.gov/news/2026/board-regents-and-state-education-department-announce-plan-move-toward-first-nation [11] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/grad-measures/ny-inspires-flyers.pdf [12] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/ny-inspires-message-from-nysed.pdf · Checked Nov 13, 2026. Adopted = decided. Proposed = not final until the Board of Regents votes. Ask your school how it is doing this.
El Retrato de un Graduado: una página para familias
Nuestra escuela · Noche para familias
Adoptado El Retrato de un Graduado de Nueva York describe las destrezas y cualidades que debe tener cada graduado.[1,2] Adoptado Adoptado por la Junta de Regentes el 14 de julio de 2025.[3,4]
Los 6 atributos
- Preparación académica (Academically Prepared): Una base sólida en los estándares de aprendizaje de NYS.
- Innovación creativa (Creative Innovator): Imagina, prueba ideas nuevas, se adapta.
- Pensamiento crítico (Critical Thinker): Evalúa la evidencia, encuentra conexiones.
- Comunicación eficaz (Effective Communicator): Habla y escribe con claridad, y escucha.
- Ciudadanía global (Global Citizen): Actúa con responsabilidad en comunidades locales, globales y digitales.
- Reflexión y visión de futuro (Reflective and Future Focused): Conoce sus fortalezas, se pone metas, cuida su bienestar.
Adoptado [1,5] Los nombres en español son traducción nuestra.
Lo que NO es
Adoptado No es un examen, ni una nota, ni una clase aparte. Se ve en todas las materias.[1,6]
Qué cambia, según el grado en 2026-27
| Grado 12 ahora | Adoptado Las reglas de hoy: tres tipos de diploma y los exámenes Regents obligatorios.[4,7] |
| Grados 9-11 ahora | Propuesto Los mismos créditos de hoy. No tendría que aprobar los Regents para graduarse, pero igual los presenta. Un diploma con sellos y menciones.[4,8] |
| Grados 7-8 ahora | Propuesto Además necesitaría una experiencia de aprendizaje conectada con carreras. Sin obligación de aprobar los Regents. Un diploma.[4,9] |
| Grado 6 y menores | Propuesto Un nuevo sistema basado en competencias. Los requisitos específicos aún no se publican.[4,10] |
Adoptado Los requisitos de graduación de hoy siguen vigentes hasta que la Junta de Regentes apruebe cambios.[4,11]
Adoptado Los exámenes Regents no desaparecen; lo que cambia es su papel en el diploma.[12]
- ¿Qué hiciste o probaste hoy que fuera nuevo?
- ¿Cómo sabes que eso es verdad?
- ¿Cuál es una meta para esta semana?
Guía gratis, sin cuenta:
Novedades del estado: nysed.gov/ny-inspires · Preguntas: GradMeasures@nysed.gov[6]
Fuentes (NYSED y Junta de Regentes): [1] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/grad-measures/portrait-of-a-graduate.pdf [2] nysed.gov/ny-inspires/vision [3] nysed.gov/news/2025/board-regents-and-department-adopt-new-york-state-portrait-graduate [4] nysed.gov/ny-inspires/transformation-timeline [5] regents.nysed.gov/sites/regents/files/FB%20Monday%20-%20NY%20Inspires-New%20York%20State%20Portrait%20of%20a%20Graduate%20.pdf [6] nysed.gov/grad-measures/new-york-state-portrait-graduate [7] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/final_ny-inspires_0125.pdf [8] nysed.gov/news/2026/nysed-advances-next-phase-ny-inspires-education-transformation [9] nysed.gov/grad-measures/frequently-asked-questions-related-new-york-state-graduation-measures-initiative [10] nysed.gov/news/2026/board-regents-and-state-education-department-announce-plan-move-toward-first-nation [11] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/grad-measures/ny-inspires-flyers.pdf [12] nysed.gov/sites/default/files/ny-inspires-message-from-nysed.pdf · Revisado: 13 de nov. de 2026. Adoptado = decidido. Propuesto = no es final hasta que vote la Junta de Regentes. Pregunte en su escuela cómo lo está haciendo.
5 · QR poster for the door
The code opens the free plain-words guide. No sign-up, no account.
New in New York
The diploma is changing. Here's what it means for your child.
Portrait of a Graduate, explained in plain words.
Scan with your phone camera
Free · No account · No sign-up · English and Spanish
Our school · Family night:
Students: ask a grown-up before you post anything online.
Nuevo en Nueva York
El diploma está cambiando. Esto es lo que significa para su hijo o hija.
El Retrato de un Graduado, explicado en palabras sencillas.
Escanee con la cámara de su teléfono
Gratis · Sin cuenta · Sin registrarse · Inglés y español
Nuestra escuela · Noche para familias:
Estudiantes: pidan permiso a un adulto antes de publicar algo en internet.
6 · Invitation letter
Send two weeks before. Your school details fill in from step 1.
Our school
[date]
Dear families,
You are invited to a Family Night about New York's Portrait of a Graduate: the skills and qualities New York wants every graduate to have.
In plain words, we will share what New York has decided, what is not decided yet, and what it means for your child's grade. You will also take home ideas you can use at the dinner table.
| When | [date] · [time] |
|---|---|
| Where | [place] |
| How long | About 35 to 40 minutes, with time for questions |
There is no sign-up. Spanish support will be available. Bring your questions.
Questions before the night? [phone or email]
Sincerely,
[principal's name]
Principal, [school]
Nuestra escuela
[fecha]
Estimadas familias:
Están invitados a una Noche para familias sobre el Retrato de un Graduado de Nueva York: las destrezas y cualidades que Nueva York quiere que tenga cada graduado.
En palabras sencillas, compartiremos lo que Nueva York ya decidió, lo que todavía no se decide y lo que significa para el grado de su hijo o hija. También se llevará ideas para usar en la mesa a la hora de comer.
| Cuándo | [fecha] · [hora] |
|---|---|
| Dónde | [lugar] |
| Duración | Unos 35 a 40 minutos, con tiempo para preguntas |
No hay que registrarse. Habrá apoyo en español. Traiga sus preguntas.
¿Preguntas antes de esa noche? [teléfono o correo]
Atentamente,
[nombre del director o directora]
Director(a), [escuela]
Short reminder message
For a text, an email or the school app, two days before.
7 · Exit slip for families
Five questions, two slips per sheet, on paper. No names, and nothing is collected online.
Family night exit slip
5 quick questions. No names, please.
- How clear is the Portrait of a Graduate to you now?
☐ Very clear ☐ Mostly clear ☐ A little ☐ Not yet clear - Circle the attribute you want to hear more about:
Academically Prepared · Creative Innovator · Critical Thinker · Effective Communicator · Global Citizen · Reflective and Future Focused - One question you still have:
- How would you like to get updates?
☐ Email ☐ Paper note ☐ Text message ☐ Another meeting ☐ Other ______ - Would you come to a follow-up session?
☐ Yes ☐ Maybe ☐ No · Best time: ☐ Morning ☐ Evening ☐ Weekend
Please do not write your child's name. Thank you!
Family night exit slip
5 quick questions. No names, please.
- How clear is the Portrait of a Graduate to you now?
☐ Very clear ☐ Mostly clear ☐ A little ☐ Not yet clear - Circle the attribute you want to hear more about:
Academically Prepared · Creative Innovator · Critical Thinker · Effective Communicator · Global Citizen · Reflective and Future Focused - One question you still have:
- How would you like to get updates?
☐ Email ☐ Paper note ☐ Text message ☐ Another meeting ☐ Other ______ - Would you come to a follow-up session?
☐ Yes ☐ Maybe ☐ No · Best time: ☐ Morning ☐ Evening ☐ Weekend
Please do not write your child's name. Thank you!
Hoja de salida de la noche para familias
5 preguntas rápidas. Sin nombres, por favor.
- ¿Qué tan claro tiene ahora el Retrato de un Graduado?
☐ Muy claro ☐ Bastante claro ☐ Un poco ☐ Todavía no está claro - Encierre en un círculo el atributo del que quiere saber más:
Preparación académica · Innovación creativa · Pensamiento crítico · Comunicación eficaz · Ciudadanía global · Reflexión y visión de futuro - Una pregunta que todavía tiene:
- ¿Cómo le gustaría recibir novedades?
☐ Correo ☐ Nota en papel ☐ Mensaje de texto ☐ Otra reunión ☐ Otro ______ - ¿Vendría a otra sesión?
☐ Sí ☐ Tal vez ☐ No · Mejor horario: ☐ Mañana ☐ Noche ☐ Fin de semana
Por favor no escriba el nombre de su hijo o hija. ¡Gracias!
Hoja de salida de la noche para familias
5 preguntas rápidas. Sin nombres, por favor.
- ¿Qué tan claro tiene ahora el Retrato de un Graduado?
☐ Muy claro ☐ Bastante claro ☐ Un poco ☐ Todavía no está claro - Encierre en un círculo el atributo del que quiere saber más:
Preparación académica · Innovación creativa · Pensamiento crítico · Comunicación eficaz · Ciudadanía global · Reflexión y visión de futuro - Una pregunta que todavía tiene:
- ¿Cómo le gustaría recibir novedades?
☐ Correo ☐ Nota en papel ☐ Mensaje de texto ☐ Otra reunión ☐ Otro ______ - ¿Vendría a otra sesión?
☐ Sí ☐ Tal vez ☐ No · Mejor horario: ☐ Mañana ☐ Noche ☐ Fin de semana
Por favor no escriba el nombre de su hijo o hija. ¡Gracias!
8 · Downloads
Free files you can edit. PowerPoint opens in PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides and LibreOffice.
Every fact in this kit, with its source
Only what NYSED and the Board of Regents have published. Adopted = decided. Proposed = not final until the Board of Regents votes.
- Adopted The New York State Board of Regents adopted the Portrait of a Graduate on July 14, 2025. Sources: NYSED: Board of Regents and Department Adopt New York State… · NYSED: Transformation Timeline · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted The Portrait describes the skills and qualities New York wants every high school graduate to have, so they are ready for college, careers and community life. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · NYSED: The Vision · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NYSED calls the six attributes "interconnected": they work together, not as six separate subjects. Source: NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Adopting the Portrait did not, by itself, change today's graduation requirements. Source: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted The statewide requirement to align instruction to the Portrait begins with students entering grade 9 in 2029-30 (the 2029 cohort). Until then, NYSED asks schools to start looking at their own practices. Source: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted The Portrait is not a test, not a grade and not a separate class. It describes what students should be able to show across all subjects. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NYSED says schools will use many kinds of evidence to see growth in the attributes, such as performance tasks, portfolios, projects and presentations of learning. Source: NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Academically Prepared: Has a strong base in the New York State learning standards, and the knowledge and skills to succeed in college, careers, civic life, service and life. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Creative Innovator: Uses imagination, curiosity and flexible thinking to solve problems, come up with new ideas and products, and adapt when things change. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Critical Thinker: Looks at information carefully, weighs the evidence, and finds patterns and connections across subjects to work on complex questions. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Effective Communicator: Shares ideas clearly through speaking, writing and other media, connects with different audiences, and listens to other points of view. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Global Citizen: Acts responsibly and ethically in local, global and digital communities, and uses civic knowledge to care for the planet and a diverse, democratic society. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Reflective and Future Focused: Thinks about their own strengths and areas to grow, sets meaningful goals, builds supportive relationships, and makes responsible choices that protect well-being. Sources: NYSED: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: New York State Portrait of a Graduate · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NYSED places Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-SE) at the center of the Portrait. Sources: NYSED: The Vision · NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · NYSED: FAQ related to the NYS Graduation Measures Initiative · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NY Inspires is New York's multi-year plan to change what a diploma means and how students show what they know. NYSED presented it to the Board of Regents in November 2024. Sources: NYSED: The Vision · NYSED: Advances Next Phase of NY Inspires Education… · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: A Plan to Transform Education in New York… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NYSED's rule of thumb: the Board of Regents must approve any change to graduation requirements. Until it does, today's requirements stay in effect for all students. Sources: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · NYSED: NY Inspires flyer · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NYSED's own message: Regents exams are not disappearing. What is changing is their role in earning a diploma. Source: NYSED: 'The Truth About NY Inspires' · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted On September 14, 2026, NYSED announced that the Board of Regents authorized it to move forward with one State diploma, sunsetting separate diploma exam requirements, and a more focused role for Regents exams. Source: NYSED: Advances Next Phase of NY Inspires Education… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) Under the plan, starting with students graduating in 2028, New York moves to one State diploma and students no longer have to pass a set of Regents exams to graduate. NYSED's timeline says this starts with students graduating in January 2028 and after. Sources: NYSED: Advances Next Phase of NY Inspires Education… · NYSED: Transformation Timeline · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) NYSED will bring proposed regulation changes to the Board of Regents by February 2027 (as a discussion item at the February 2027 meeting), to take effect in the 2027-28 school year. Sources: NYSED: Advances Next Phase of NY Inspires Education… · Board of Regents: NY Inspires: Sunsetting Diploma Assessment… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) One diploma: the local, Regents and Regents with Advanced Designation diplomas become one New York State high school diploma. Advanced Designation becomes a seal or endorsement, and students can still earn State and local seals and endorsements. Sources: NYSED: Advances Next Phase of NY Inspires Education… · NYSED: Transformation Timeline · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Until the Board approves the regulation changes, students must still complete the "+1 Pathway" requirement for a diploma. Source: NYSED: FAQ · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Cohort 2023 and earlier (grade 12 in 2026-27, graduating June 2027 on time): today's rules. Three diploma types; required Regents exams still apply. Sources: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · NYSED: A Plan to Transform Education · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) Cohorts 2024, 2025 and 2026 (grades 11, 10 and 9 in 2026-27, graduating June 2028 to June 2030): same credit requirements as today; would not need to pass Regents exams to graduate; one State diploma with seals and endorsements, including Advanced Designation. They still take Regents exams. Sources: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · NYSED: Advances Next Phase of NY Inspires Education… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) Cohorts 2027 and 2028 (grades 8 and 7 in 2026-27, graduating June 2031 and June 2032): would also need a career-connected learning experience to earn a diploma; no required Regents passing; one diploma with redefined seals and endorsements. Sources: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · NYSED: FAQ related to the NYS Graduation Measures Initiative · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) Cohort 2029 and later (grade 6 and younger in 2026-27, graduating June 2033 or later): the new competency-based system. Students show proficiency in the high school learning standards, competencies and the Portrait. A statewide transcript is required. NYSED says the specific requirements are still to come. Sources: NYSED: Transformation Timeline · NYSED: Board of Regents and State Education Department… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Students scheduled for a Regents exam this year must take it, including 8th and 9th graders. Source: NYSED: FAQ related to the NYS Graduation Measures Initiative · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Proposed (not final until the Board of Regents votes) NYSED plans to widen the ways to earn credit: courses plus project-based learning, career-connected and work-based learning, labs, seminars, community learning, studios and dual-enrollment courses. Sources: NYSED: The Vision · NYSED: Board of Regents and State Education Department… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Not published yet NYSED's plan said it would release Portrait rubrics and guidance, and prioritized, reformatted learning standards, during 2026-27. As of Nov 13, 2026 we did not find them posted on NYSED's NY Inspires pages. Sources: NYSED: A Plan to Transform Education · NYSED: Board of Regents and State Education Department… · NYSED: Presentations and News Releases · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted NYSED's educator sheet already lists rubric-based projects as one way to assess the attributes, next to performance tasks, portfolios and quizzes. Source: NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Questions to the state go to GradMeasures@nysed.gov. Updates are on nysed.gov/ny-inspires. Source: NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · Checked Nov 13, 2026
- Adopted Districts choose many details locally (projects, local assessment strategy, local seals). Ask your school how it is doing this. Sources: NYSED: Portrait of a Graduate Need-to-Know sheets · NYSED: NY Inspires Transformations: Sunsetting Diploma… · Checked Nov 13, 2026
New York has not published this yet. We will update this page when it does.
Where Goal100 already helps
Free “My Future Portrait” courses help students reflect, set goals and plan, and the plain-words guide explains the Portrait for every role.
General information, not legal advice. Your school and district decide how they carry out the Portrait. Goal100 is not part of NYSED.