The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District has an uncompromising commitment to excellence in preparing students to succeed, to respect themselves and others, and to practice lifelong learning. That’s why administrators and building principals were quick to evaluate curriculum offerings and start looking for ways to better align course options with shifting graduation requirements.
The New York State Education Department’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative defines the essential skills and competencies all students should possess to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. The framework provides opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery through performance-based tasks instead of just traditional regents exams. The statewide requirement for instruction to be aligned to the portrait begins with students entering grade 9 during the 2029-30 school year.
J-D High School is being proactive. The Building Leadership Team is already making curriculum adjustments to support students and staff through the change. Principal Gregory Lawson explained how they have been working toward these goals during the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 8.
Lawson detailed a new Financial Algebra course being offered to juniors and seniors this school year. More than 70 students are enrolled in the class.
It aligns with Portrait of a Graduate by providing a practical application of mathematical, analytical, and life skills. It covers budgeting, taxes, credit cards, loans, investments, insurance, automobile ownership, retirement planning, and more.
“The most common feedback that we have received is that it is different from other math classes students have taken in that they feel a relevance to their futures. The students taking this course are going to be so much better versed in the real world financial realities than those of us who never took a class like this were,” said Math Department Chair Sue Techman.
Lawson says his team has also worked to elevate and revamp the school’s art program to better align with the portrait. They wanted it to demonstrate a progression of foundational, intermediate, and advanced opportunities. In achieving this, students can now earn college credit for higher level courses.
The technology curriculum is also seeing some changes to better serve students. Beginning in Fall 2026, the high school will offer two separate pathways in this area. The traditional Project Lead the Way Pathway through the Rochester Institute of Technology will be available to pre-engineering students. A new Electromechanical Technology Pathway will be available through Onondaga Community College for students interested in semiconductor and operation, testing, and maintenance of electromechanical or robotic equipment.
Technology isn’t alone, the high school offers at least a dozen pathway programs that connect courses and extracurricular activities, develop college and career skills, and allows students to pursue passions and interests. The school recently earned conditional approval for a Broadcast Journalism Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway that can earn college credits at Syracuse University.
The district’s seal programs also align with the portrait. Students can currently earn a New York State Seal of Biliteracy and/or a New York State Seal of Civic Readiness. Both seals can take the place of regents exams as an alternative way to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and qualities which is what the portrait aims to do in the future.
“In my opinion, we are as properly prepared for what the Portrait of a Graduate will be for what the state has shared with us. I am 100% confident that what our teachers are doing in their classrooms today satisfies that and succeeds the state’s expectations,” said Lawson.
If you would like to learn more about Portrait of a Graduate, the State Education Department has created a Frequently Asked Questions webpage which can be used as a helpful resource.