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Gates Chili High School

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  3. Graduation requirements and diploma endorsements

Graduation requirements and diploma endorsements

Diploma endorsements

In addition to earning a New York State Regents Diploma, Gates Chili High School students have the opportunity to pursue diploma endorsements that recognize their achievements in specific areas of study. These endorsements celebrate students’ commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, language proficiency, and the arts.

Explore the endorsements below to learn more about the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, and the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP)—each offering a meaningful distinction that can enhance college and career readiness.

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) was established to recognize high school graduates who have attained high school level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

The Seal of Biliteracy can help students in many ways:

  • Employers and colleges are looking for bilingual applicants
  • Honors the many cultures and languages in our communities
  • Enhances applications for grants and scholarships
  • Prepares students for 21st-century careers
  • Higher earning potential in various careers

To earn the NYSSB, students must demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in English and the required level of proficiency in one or more world languages set forth by the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages.  Students can earn points toward the NYSSB in a number of ways, including:

  • Completing coursework in English and/or a world language with an average of 85% or better;
  • Completing  a Home Language Arts Program with an average of 85% or better;
  • Earning a set score on an approved assessment in English and/or a world language;
  • Demonstrating successful completion of coursework from a nation outside the U.S.; and
  • Completing and presenting a Culminating Project in English and/or a world language that demonstrates the required level of  proficiency in all three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational).

More details about how points are awarded can be found on the New York State Education Department website.

The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences.

The Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:

  • shows the student’s understanding of a commitment to participatory government; civic responsibility and civic values;
  • demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that the student has completed an action project in civics or social justice; and
  • recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship.

To earn the Seal of Civic Readiness, students must complete all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points, including:

  • At least two points in Civic Knowledge (through social studies coursework, exams, or participation in government-related programs);
  • At least two points in Civic Participation (through service learning, civic projects, or extracurricular activities); and
  • Completion of a Civic Capstone Project, which includes a research component and a presentation demonstrating the student’s understanding of and engagement in civic life.

More details about how points are awarded can be found on the New York State Education Department website.

The Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP) is a graduation pathway that recognizes a student’s advanced skill and commitment in the arts. It offers students the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in dance, music, theater, visual arts or media arts through a process that values creativity, technical skill and personal expression.

The IAAP distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:

  • highlights the student’s depth of knowledge and artistic achievement in one or more arts disciplines;
  • demonstrates to colleges, universities and future employers that the student has successfully completed a rigorous arts-based assessment process; and
  • recognizes the importance of the arts as a vital component of a well-rounded education.

To complete the IAAP, students must meet all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and demonstrate their proficiency in the arts by:

  • Completing arts coursework aligned to New York State Learning Standards;
  • Maintaining an average of 85% or higher in approved arts courses;
  • Compiling and presenting a culminating portfolio that includes original student work; and
  • Participating in a portfolio review and interview with certified arts educators to demonstrate their artistic growth, technique and reflection.

The IAAP provides students with a creative pathway to graduation while honoring their talents and dedication to the arts. More details about how points are awarded can be found on the New York State Education Department website.

  • The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) was established to recognize high school graduates who have attained high school level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

    The Seal of Biliteracy can help students in many ways:

    • Employers and colleges are looking for bilingual applicants
    • Honors the many cultures and languages in our communities
    • Enhances applications for grants and scholarships
    • Prepares students for 21st-century careers
    • Higher earning potential in various careers

    To earn the NYSSB, students must demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in English and the required level of proficiency in one or more world languages set forth by the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages.  Students can earn points toward the NYSSB in a number of ways, including:

    • Completing coursework in English and/or a world language with an average of 85% or better;
    • Completing  a Home Language Arts Program with an average of 85% or better;
    • Earning a set score on an approved assessment in English and/or a world language;
    • Demonstrating successful completion of coursework from a nation outside the U.S.; and
    • Completing and presenting a Culminating Project in English and/or a world language that demonstrates the required level of  proficiency in all three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational).

    More details about how points are awarded can be found on the New York State Education Department website.

  • The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences.

    The Seal of Civic Readiness distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:

    • shows the student’s understanding of a commitment to participatory government; civic responsibility and civic values;
    • demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that the student has completed an action project in civics or social justice; and
    • recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship.

    To earn the Seal of Civic Readiness, students must complete all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn a total of six points, including:

    • At least two points in Civic Knowledge (through social studies coursework, exams, or participation in government-related programs);
    • At least two points in Civic Participation (through service learning, civic projects, or extracurricular activities); and
    • Completion of a Civic Capstone Project, which includes a research component and a presentation demonstrating the student’s understanding of and engagement in civic life.

    More details about how points are awarded can be found on the New York State Education Department website.

  • The Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP) is a graduation pathway that recognizes a student’s advanced skill and commitment in the arts. It offers students the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in dance, music, theater, visual arts or media arts through a process that values creativity, technical skill and personal expression.

    The IAAP distinction on a high school transcript and diploma:

    • highlights the student’s depth of knowledge and artistic achievement in one or more arts disciplines;
    • demonstrates to colleges, universities and future employers that the student has successfully completed a rigorous arts-based assessment process; and
    • recognizes the importance of the arts as a vital component of a well-rounded education.

    To complete the IAAP, students must meet all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and demonstrate their proficiency in the arts by:

    • Completing arts coursework aligned to New York State Learning Standards;
    • Maintaining an average of 85% or higher in approved arts courses;
    • Compiling and presenting a culminating portfolio that includes original student work; and
    • Participating in a portfolio review and interview with certified arts educators to demonstrate their artistic growth, technique and reflection.

    The IAAP provides students with a creative pathway to graduation while honoring their talents and dedication to the arts. More details about how points are awarded can be found on the New York State Education Department website.