State education officials in New York are forming a 64-member commission to review graduation requirements and make recommendations for how to better serve students from diverse backgrounds. 

The commission, to be co-chaired by Board of Regents Vice Chancellor Josephine Finn and Regent Judith Chin, is expected to release a report by 2024 with recommendations. 

State Education Department officials want the commission to review how a New York diploma can ensure equity for students as well as reflect readiness for civi life and college. 

Students, especially those from low-income communities and communities of color, struggled during the initial months of the COVID pandemic when many schools went to remote learning. Studies have found students have fallen behind on essential skills during that initial period of the pandemic. 

“Our review of the state’s graduation measures is about ensuring all students are provided with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the way that best suits them," Chancellor Lester Young said. "To create equity, we must be able to take all young people from where they are and bring them to where they want to be so their dreams can be fulfilled. This work is not about lowering standards, it’s about making sure the standards work for all our state’s students. I look forward to reviewing the Commission’s recommendations on this valuable endeavor.”

The commission is expected to meet this fall and through the spring of 2024. 

“Forming the Blue Ribbon Commission is a significant milestone in our efforts to review the state’s current graduation measures," Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said. "We used a deliberate and thoughtful process to convene a diverse group of experts to help ensure educational excellence and equity for every student in New York State. I thank all the nominees for their interest in this exciting initiative, and I look forward to learning from the esteemed members of the commission.”