June 2024

Dear Colleagues,

As we reach the end of another school year, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and profound gratitude to each of you for everything you and your school communities have done to make this a successful academic year.

At the June Board of Regents meeting, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) presented its vision to implement the recommendations of the NYS Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures that are designed to bring greater equity to the State’s education system. The Department is committed to transforming education to meet the expectations voiced by stakeholders and the challenges of the 21st century.

NYSED’s vision calls for transformative actions in four areas:

1. Adopting the New York State Portrait of a Graduate,
2. Redefining credits,
3. Sunsetting diploma assessment requirements, and
4. Moving to one diploma.

In an effort to continue to gather stakeholder feedback, NYSED encourages you to share your thoughts related to these four proposed transformations by participating in the current ThoughtExchange.

Additional information, including a list of frequently asked questions related to the New York State Graduation Measures Initiative, may be referenced on the Graduation Measures webpage.

At this time, no changes to the current diploma requirements have been approved by the Board of Regents. The current credit and assessment requirements remain in effect for all high school students. Guidance related to the current diploma requirements can be found on NYSED's Graduation Requirements webpage.

I want to thank all the educators who have dedicated their time and passion to teaching our children and contributing to a brighter future for our state. Your hard work and commitment make a profound impact on the lives of your students. I wish you a happy and healthy summer filled with love, laughter, and rest.



Sincerely,

Betty A. Rosa

Commissioner

Commissioner Rosa kicked off the 2024 Summer Reading Program at a special Juneteenth Storytime event at Albany Public Library’s Howe Branch. Pre-kindergarten students from Albany’s Giffen Memorial Elementary School were in attendance to enjoy Juneteenth-themed stories, songs, and dancing with their caregivers and other library patrons. 

NYSED convened the 2024 New York State My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Symposium on May 30 in Albany. More than 1,000 students, parents, and educational leaders from across New York State gathered to share the impact of MBK, gain valuable knowledge, and get motivated to implement new strategies in their communities to help boys and young men of color—and all students—realize their full potential. The event included nationally renowned speakers, workshops, student-led panels, and a college and career resource fair.

During the event, NYSED also named the seventh class of the MBK Fellows. Each Fellow will be matched with a mentor from a New York State MBK Community Network partner and given a fellowship opportunity.

The New York State Archives and the Archives Partnership Trust are now accepting entries for the 2024 New York State Student Research Awards Statewide Competition.

The annual competition, in its 34th year, is open to all students in grades four to twelve and serves to increase coordination between schools and organizations that administer historical records beneficial for education. The program offers a platform for young people to learn about New York’s history by exploring the state’s historical records repositories to create research projects for award consideration. Winners will be selected from entries in the following divisions: elementary (grades 4-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12).

Submissions are due July 1, 2024.

NYSED awarded $34 million in Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Expansion Grants to 64 school districts across the state. The grants will enable districts to establish new full-day prekindergarten placements or to convert existing placements from half-day to full-day.

Please visit NYSED's website to find the full list of school districts that were awarded funding under the grant program.

NYSED held the Statewide Elementary Mathematics Tournament championship event in Albany for grades 1-5. Deputy Commissioner Jason Harmon attended the event and delivered remarks of encouragement to the students. Congratulations to all of the talented students who participated!

The winners are:

First Place, Grade 1

Trayee Singh, Gabriel Alvarez, and Joseph Stern

P.S. 144 Col Jeromus Remsen, Community School District 28, New York City Public Schools

First Place, Grade 2

Kyle Ngo, Brandon Sanchez Toledo, and Gabriel Alers

Marion G. Vedder Elementary School, North Babylon School District

First Place, Grade 3

Alexander Belle, Benjamin Levy, and Chase Ackerman

Vanderbilt Elementary School, Half Hollow Hills Central School District

First Place, Grade 4

Caroline Zhang, Catherine Hu, and Talinn Kim

Nassakeag Elementary School, Three Village Central School District

First Place, Grade 5

Naveen Madhavan, Herene Shim, and Kazimir Povelaites

Thornell Road Elementary School, Pittsford Central School District

Learn more about the tournament and winners on NYSED's Statewide Elementary Mathematics Tournament webpage.

The New York State Library and the New York State Museum are offering educational opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages throughout the summer.

New York State Library

Public programming at the New York State Library includes webinars and events related to history, genealogical services, and other interesting topics.

Visit the State Library's website for a complete list of upcoming programs.

New York State Museum

Special programs, including events, lectures, exhibits, and a host of online resources, allow children, families, educators, and students to experience art, science, and history in a fun and engaging way.

Visit the State Museum's website for a complete list of upcoming programs.