New diploma criteria shape the future of education

As the 2024-25 school year begins, there are two significant changes that have the potential to shape the future of education: the implementation of new criteria to earn a high school diploma, and the revision of the foundation aid formula. These developments represent both challenges and opportunities, and their successful implementation will require the active engagement of our entire community.

New criteria to earn a diploma: pioneering the Portrait of a Graduate

The state is developing new criteria for earning a high school diploma. This initiative focuses on creating a “portrait of a graduate,” which outlines the key skills and attributes that students should possess when they graduate. The New York state graduate is envisioned as a critical thinker, an effective communicator, a global citizen, an innovative problem solver, literate across content areas and socially-emotionally competent.

I am proud to say that Freeport Public Schools are ahead of the curve in this regard. In the spring of 2023, we established our own Portrait of a Freeport Public Schools Graduate, incorporating feedback from all stakeholders. Our portrait includes the following essential traits: problem solver, curious and flexible, perseverance, communicator and collaborator, and literacies for life. These traits encapsulate our vision for our students and reflect the qualities that are critical for their success in today’s world. As the state works on creating its portrait of a graduate, we are confident that our established framework will serve as a strong foundation and model.

While the changes proposed by the State Education Department and the Blue Ribbon Commission hold great potential, it is crucial that the rigor of our educational standards is maintained. The commission, established to review and reform the state’s graduation requirements, consists of education experts, policymakers and community leaders. Their goal is to ensure that graduation criteria are aligned with the demands of the 21st-century workforce and higher education.

The commission, which is moving away from the requirement of traditional Regents exams and consolidating three types of diplomas into one, aims to modernize graduation criteria. The proposed transformations include adopting the state Portrait of a Graduate, redefining credits and expanding learning experiences, sunsetting diploma assessment requirements, and ultimately moving to one diploma. Not requiring Regents exams will provide a more comprehensive assessment of student abilities.

In Freeport, we have always advocated for changes that promote student success without compromising the rigor of their education.

Revising the foundation aid formula: ensuring fair funding

In addition to the new diploma criteria, the state is looking to revise the foundation aid formula, a critical component of how state funding is allocated to public schools. It is currently under review by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, part of the State University of New York system. This comprehensive study, due in December, aims to address longstanding disparities in school funding and ensure that all districts receive the resources they need to provide a quality education. The formula has been outdated for many years, and has been the center of advocacy efforts over the years. For Freeport Public Schools, this revision is of paramount importance.

Historically, the foundation aid formula has often fallen short of meeting the needs of districts like ours. We face unique challenges that require adequate funding to support our diverse student population, and we cannot afford to be shortchanged by an outdated or inequitable formula. The Rockefeller Institute’s study is a crucial step toward achieving a more equitable distribution of resources, but it is imperative that our community’s voices are heard throughout this process. Public hearings will be held across the state, including on Long Island on July 30.

By participating in this hearing, we can collectively advocate for a fair funding formula that ensures that our students have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. It is vital that we come together as a community to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are met.

The revision of the foundation aid formula and the new criteria for earning a diploma represent significant opportunities to shape the future of education in Freeport. By actively participating in the foundation aid review process and leveraging our existing Portrait of a Graduate, we can help drive meaningful change that benefits our students. These changes, when implemented thoughtfully and equitably, have the potential to transform our educational landscape and ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed.

These changes have the power to drive the future of education, not only in Freeport but across the state. Let’s work together to make sure that future is bright and filled with promise for all our students.

Kishore Kuncham is superintendent of Freeport Public Schools.