NY Inspires: What changes to graduation requirements mean in Red Hook

Dear Red Hook High School Families, 

I am writing to discuss NY Inspires, New York State’s long-term plan to change graduation requirements and the high school experience, and potentially debunk any misconceptions.

The state Education Department last month announced its intention to move forward with one aspect of this plan, removing the requirement that students pass Regents examinations in order to receive their high school diploma. While this garnered media attention, it’s important that everyone understand this change is not yet official, will not be in affect for the Class of 2027, and does not mean Regents exams are being eliminated. This impending change is also just one aspect of sweeping proposed reforms that will be phased-in over several years, with different groups of students affected at different times.

NY Inspires grew out of a multi-year review of New York’s graduation requirements. At its core, the initiative asks an important question: What should every New York graduate know and be able to do, and how should students demonstrate that learning? 
Over time, New York State plans to move toward a more competency-based system. This means placing greater emphasis on students demonstrating what they know and can do, rather than relying primarily on seat time, course credits, and Regents exams. Students may have more opportunities to demonstrate learning through projects, career-connected experiences, internships, performance-based assessments, and other meaningful work. 

The state has also adopted a Portrait of a Graduate, which identifies six areas students should develop: academic preparation, critical thinking, communication, creativity and innovation, global citizenship, and reflection and future planning. This portrait is very similar to Red Hook’s own Raider Profile.  

The state has shared a timeline for which changes are expected to be implemented when. The timeline is based on the year a student first enters ninth grade: 

• Class of 2027: Current diploma requirements remain in place for those who entered high school in the 2023-24 academic year. 
• Classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030: Pending final state Board of Regents approval in February, the requirement to pass assessments to earn a diploma would end beginning with students who entered high school in fall 2024. Current credit requirements for graduation would continue. Regents exams would still be administered but students would no longer be required to pass specific Regents in order to earn a diploma. Students would demonstrate their mastery of course content through multiple measures, one of which may still remain the Regents exam.Students would still take State assessments as required. 
• Classes of 2031 and 2032: Students entering high school in fall 2027 or later would have new credit requirements and the state is proposing a requirement for all students to earn at least one credit in career and technical education. 
• Class of 2033 and beyond: The cohort entering high school in fall 2029 would be the first to fully enter the new system. Students would be expected to demonstrate proficiency in both academic standards and the skills identified in the State’s Portrait of a Graduate. 

It is important to note that some details are still being developed and will require formal approval by the Board of Regents. Until changes are fully implemented, all students should continue to operate under current graduation requirements.

We have launched a webpage, RedHookCentralSchools.org/ny-inspires that provides more information and articulates what many of the NY Inspires and Portrait of a Graduate changes may mean for students. It can be used as a reference moving forward, though families can also inquire directly with their building leadership or counselor.
 
At Red Hook High School, we will approach these changes thoughtfully and carefully. Many of our current and emerging programs already connect to this direction, including International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, Career and Technical Education pathways, work-based learning, the Seal of Civic Readiness, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment. 

As New York State releases additional guidance, we will continue to communicate clearly with families about what is changing, when it is changing, and exactly which students are affected. We also look forward to working with students, families, staff, and community partners as we consider how these changes can create new and meaningful opportunities for Red Hook students. 

Thank you for your continued partnership. 

Sincerely, 
Kyle Roddey  
Principal  
Red Hook High School