NY Inspires is a multiyear initiative to transform teaching and learning by rethinking how schools define, support, and celebrate student success. Building on recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, NY Inspires seeks to ensure every student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for life beyond high school while maintaining high expectations and rigorous learning standards.

Four interconnected transformations are at the heart ofNY Inspires:

1. Portrait of a Graduate: Define a shared vision of what graduates should know and be capable of accomplishing, with a focus on the attributes needed to learn, grow, create, work, and contribute.

2. Credits Based on Learning: Shift from time spent in courses to meaningful learning experiences that create opportunities for students to demonstrate those competencies.

3. Rethinking Assessments: Move away from required assessments as the primary gatekeeper for graduation while continuing to value assessment as a way to gather evidence of learning.

4. One Diploma: Establish one New York State high school diploma with seals and endorsements recognizing additional accomplishments and learning. 

Phase 1: Installation (Fall 2025–Summer 2027) focuses on building understanding and capacity, developing guidance and resources, and preparing schools and districts for implementation. Current graduation requirements remain in effect during this phase, giving educators time to examine curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student experiences through the lens of the Portrait of a Graduate. During Phase 1 districts will identify strengths, build on effective practices, and determine where changes can deepen learning and better prepare students for the future.

PLCS provides leadership and guidance for districts to realize the promise of NY Inspires bringing districts together to build shared understanding, examine current practice, and connect NYSED’s vision to local priorities. Examples of our NY Inspired-focused professional learning include: Project Based Learning; Leading Leaders: Portrait of A Graduate; NY Inspires: Portraits of Possibility: Inquiry, School Libraries, and Lifelong Learning; Portrait of a Graduate: from Vision to Student Experience; NY Inspires: from State Vision to District Action; and NY Inspires Transformation Coalition. 

Additionally, Curriculum & Leadership Council meets monthly for NY Inspires worksessions. October topics include:

• Assessment Philosophy:

  • How do/will you define and communicate your beliefs about assessment?

  • How do/will students demonstrate learning?

• Communication Planning

  • How do/will you communicate NY Inspires and build understanding, engagement, and commitment among educators, students, families, and communities? 

• Portrait of a Graduate:

  • How do/will the Portrait’s attributes show up in teaching and learning?

  • How do/will you adapt the Portrait to reflect local priorities and aspirations?

• Large-Scale Project Management: PLCS developed tools, resources, and strategies to support this work 

For more information about our NY Inspires programs, resources, and convenings contact Dr. Mary Elizabeth Wilson, Sr. Director, PLCS at mwilson@swboces.org.