In November 2023, the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures were presented to the Board of Regents. This was an unprecedented effort that brought together student voices along with a diverse range of stakeholders, including parents, educators, administrators, school support staff, representatives of higher education, and the business community. The Blue Ribbon Commission created a roadmap for learning-centered education that best meets the needs of every student in New York State and incorporates a competency-based approach to teach the practical skills needed for the dynamic demands of tomorrow’s workforce.  

 

As leaders in education, the Blue Ribbon Commission members were mindful of individual student circumstances and needs. As such, one of the Commission’s recommendations was to pursue regulatory changes to allow discretion for local New York State schools and districts in posthumously conferring high school diplomas. Based on this recommendation, the Board of Regents approved an emergency action to amend the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to provide such discretion. The amendment allows school districts, charter schools, and registered nonpublic schools, at the request of the student’s parent or person in parental relation, the ability to confer a high school diploma on a deceased student if the student was enrolled in the school or district at the time of death.  

 

Additional information related to this amendment may be referenced on the Office of Standards and Instruction’s Frequently Asked Questions about NYS Graduation Requirements webpage which includes a list of frequently asked questions related to posthumous diplomas. Additional questions may be referred to the Office of Standards and Instruction via email to P12StandardsInstruction@nysed.gov or by calling (518) 474-5922.