Dear Families,

The following information regarding a recent announcement
from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board
of Regents concerning the future of New York State high school graduation
requirements is being disseminated across New York State. We want to share this important statewide information and share specific actions Southwestern is currently taking to address these exciting changes.  

As part of the state’s NY Inspires initiative, New York is exploring changes to how students demonstrate readiness for graduation and life after high school. At its September 14, 2026, meeting, the Board of Regents approved a framework for changes, and additional guidance and regulations are expected later this school year. Until those regulations are formally adopted, all current graduation requirements remain in effect.

It is anticipated that beginning with students who graduate in 2028, New York will transition to a single high school diploma pathway. As part of this change, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams as a separate requirement for earning a diploma.

It is important to note that Regents examinations are not being eliminated. They will continue to be administered and remain an important measure of student achievement and mastery of New York State learning standards. While much of the recent discussion has focused on Regents examinations, they are only one component of the broader work underway to modernize New York State's graduation and assessment system. As part of this effort, New York State is exploring additional ways for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies they develop throughout their educational experience and their readiness for success beyond high school.

What This Means for Students Right Now

For the 2026-27 school year, all current graduation and assessment requirements remain in effect. Students should continue to attend classes regularly, complete all required coursework and credits, prepare for and take Regents examinations as scheduled, and follow their current academic plans.

At this time, there are no immediate changes to student schedules, course requirements, or academic expectations.

Looking Ahead

New York State is gradually moving toward a broader approach to determining student readiness for life after high school. This work is guided by the state’s Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the knowledge, skills, and qualities students should develop before graduation.

The Portrait of a Graduate identifies six key attributes:

• Academically Prepared
• Creative Innovator
• Critical Thinker
• Effective Communicator
• Global Citizen
• Reflective and Future Focused

These attributes reflect the state's vision for ensuring all students graduate ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Until any changes take effect, students should continue to follow all existing course, credit, and Regents examination requirements. We will routinely keep families informed as additional guidance becomes available and will approach any future changes with students at the center of our planning and decision-making.

District-Specific Information

You may have seen the brochure Southwestern distributed during new student orientations and Open House about our work towards Portrait of a Graduate. Southwestern has committed to this initiative district-wide, including the elementary school, where we describe these attributes as a Portrait of a Learner. We have been participating in a statewide group called Modern Learners that is helping to guide our work in meaningful ways for our students. Since last school year, we have defined learning at Southwestern, developed action steps and goals to develop relevant learning experiences for students, and have strategic goals in place for this school year.

Southwestern already has graduation pathways other than the traditional Regents route. These include the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway, the Seal of Biliteracy, the Seal of Civic Readiness, the Career Development and Occupational Studies, and the Career and Technical Education pathway. We intend to create and host a career experience for secondary students, as well as provide career exploration activities for students grade four and up. Finally, we are working closely with College Connections staff at Jamestown Community College to further expand our robust college course options for students while they are in high school.

Later this year, we will be disseminating a survey to get student and community input about what skills and knowledge is important for high school graduates. We will also provide further information about our progress in our work. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students. If you have questions, please contact me at mmoore@swcsk12.org or 716-484-1137.

Yours in Education,

 

 

Molly Moore
Superintendent