The New York State Education Department has announced a timeline for its new education initiative, New York Inspires, focusing on equity, real-world skills and a more flexible path to graduation. The plan is built on years of feedback from parents, teachers and community leaders.

The changes include phasing out the traditional Regents exams, moving to a single diploma model and incorporating new financial literacy classes and climate education. The plan will emphasize skills-based learning, like internships and project-based assessments.

The current school year will focus on planning, with the first phase of the plan beginning next year. Full implementation is expected by 2029, but existing graduation requirements remain in place until the Board of Regents approves the changes.