An engaging session on “Leading with a Portrait of a Graduate,” was held at Rockland BOCES this January. Our partners at New Tech Network were on hand to lead the session and aid BOCES leaders in bringing the New York Portrait of a Graduate to life in their agencies.

Rockland BOCES District Superintendent Christopher D'Ambrese welcomed representatives from across New York State to come together for the common goal of successfully implementing these new standards and shaping learning environments that honor identity, build belonging, and cultivate self-direction.

The Portrait of a Graduate, introduced in 2024, serves as a guiding framework for New York’s education system. It outlines a shared vision for the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students should demonstrate upon graduation. Central to this work is a focus on fostering inclusive learning environments that honor student identity, build a strong sense of belonging, and support the development of self-directed learners.

Through continued engagement in initiatives like this, BOCES throughout the state remain committed to advancing innovative, equitable educational practices that empower every learner to thrive.