NY Inspires

NY INSPIRES: What FCSD Families Need to Know

Through a wide-reaching new initiative known as NY Inspires, New York State is beginning the process of updating high school graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2028. Though the role of traditional Regents examinations is set to change, statewide assessment and accountability for both students and schools will be maintained.

Below are a list of common questions about this process and what it means for FCSD families:

What is NY Inspires?

• NY Inspires is a plan led by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to modernize high school graduation requirements and give students more ways to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they need for success after graduation.

What is changing about graduation requirements?

• Beginning with the Class of 2028, passing a set of Regents exams will no longer be the exclusive way of earning a diplomat. The state is working to implement broader approaches to measure student achievement and readiness. A “Graduate Profile,” including assessments, coursework and real-world learning, is currently being explored.

So are the Regents exams going away?

• No, Regents exams will continue to be given and will remain rigorous assessments of NYS learning standards. The change is that Regents will no longer be the only method of proving a student has met the requirements for graduation.

What about other state-mandated standardized tests?

• Other statewide assessments – including those administered in grades 3 through 8, will continue. School accountability systems and public reporting of results will also remain untouched.

Why is this happening?

• These changes began in 2019 with a comprehensive review of what a high school diploma should represent. Following years of research, public engagement and stakeholder input, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures offered recommendations to NYSED to give students more ways to demonstrate what they know and can do.

What does this mean for my student?

• FCSD students should continue attending classes, earning required credits and preparing for Regents exams according to their current graduation plans. This new initiate is by no means rushed, and new opportunities should be made more clear in the months ahead.

For more information, check out the NY Inspires website.