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Graduation Requirements

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NYSED-Approved Pathway Assessments in the Arts

Students may meet the fifth assessment requirement for graduation by passing a NYSED-Approved Pathway Assessment in the Arts. The following assessments and cut score requirements have been approved for use as NYSED-Approved Pathway Assessments in the Arts. 

AP Art History

AP Art History

The AP Art History course, which is equivalent to an introductory college art history survey, focuses on developing students’ art historical skills as they examine and analyze major forms of artistic expression from a variety of cultures from ancient times to the present. 

Required Cut Score: AP score of 3 or higher

Sponsored by the College Board

AP Music Theory

AP Music Theory

The AP Music Theory course corresponds to two semesters of a typical introductory college music theory course that covers topics such as musicianship, theory, musical materials, and procedures. Musicianship skills including dictation and other listening skills, sight-singing, and keyboard harmony are considered an important part of the course. 

Required Cut Score: AP score of 3 or higher

Sponsored by the College Board

AP Studio Art

AP Studio Art: 2D Design Portfolio

For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate understanding of 2-D design through any two-dimensional medium or process, including but not limited to graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, fashion design, illustration, paling, and printmaking.  

Required Cut Score: AP score of 3 or higher

AP Studio Art: 3D Design Portfolio

The 3D Design Portfolio addresses sculptural issues.  In this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate an understanding of 3D design through any three dimensional approach, as they integrate their understanding of design principles and relation of integration of depth and space, volume and surface. 

Required Cut Score: AP score of 3 or higher

AP Studio Art: Drawing Design Portfolio 

The Drawing Design Portfolio is meant to address a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media.  It can also include painting, mixed media, printmaking, etc.  Abstract, observational and invented works may demonstrate drawing competence.  

Required Cut Score: AP score of 3 or higher

Sponsored by the College Board

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Dance (SL or HL)

The IB DP Dance course takes a holistic approach to dance, and embraces a variety of dance traditions and dance cultures—past, present and looking towards the future. Performance, creative and analytical skills are mutually developed and valued whether the students are writing papers or creating/performing dances. The curriculum provides students with a liberal arts orientation to dance.

Required Cut Score: 

  • Standard Level: A course score of 4 or higher.
  • Higher Level: A course score of 3 or higher.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Music (SL or HL)

Involving aspects of the composition, performance and critical analysis of music, the IB DP Music course exposes students to forms, styles and functions of music from a wide range of historical and socio-cultural contexts. Students create, participate in, and reflect upon music from their own background and those of others. 

Required Cut Score: 

  • Standard Level: A course score of 4 or higher.  
  • Higher Level: A course score of 3 or higher.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Theatre (SL or HL)

The IB DP theatre course is multifaceted and gives students the opportunity to actively engage in theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. It emphasizes working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble.  

Required Cut Score: 

Standard Level: A course score of 4 or higher.  
Higher Level: A course score of 3 or higher.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Visual Arts (SL or HL)

The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.  

Required Cut Score: 

  • Standard Level: A course score of 4 or higher.  
  • Higher Level: A course score of 3 or higher.

Sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Organization

In addition to the pathway assessments, students may meet the fifth assessment requirement for graduation using the Individual Arts Assessment Pathway. 

If you notice that any assessment cut scores or versions have been updated since the posting of this document, please email P12StandardsInstruction@nysed.gov.