New York’s Department of Education presents recommendations that may result in fewer Regents examinations in the future

ALBANY, NY- Regents examinations have been a pillar of gaging students across New York State for graduation, but that all might be changing in the wake of the latest recommendations proposed via the State Education Department and the Blue Ribbon Commission.

In other words, these proposed amendments would make graduation requirements more accommodating.

One major point included with these propositions is reconsidering the total number of Regents exams high school students would be required to take and pass for graduation.

In addition, the Blue Ribbon Commission suggests replacing the state’s trio of diplomas into one, with the flexibility to add seals and endorsements.

“Every student has unique talents, skills, and interests, and a one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognize and nurture these differences," said Commissioner Betty A. Rosa.

"We must remove barriers and facilitate equitable access to education by addressing the individual needs of students, increasing opportunities for work-based learning or college readiness programs, and providing students with practical skills and experiences that enhance their employability and post-secondary education opportunities."

Complete list of proposals below:

1. Replace the three diploma types with one diploma, with the option to add seals and endorsements.
2. Include civic responsibility (ethics); cultural competence; financial literacy education; fine and performing arts; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) credit(s); and writing, including writing skills for real-world scenarios in diploma credit requirements.
3. Ensure access to career and technical education (CTE), including internships and work-based learning opportunities for all students across New York State.
   Move to a model that organizes credit requirements— including content area credit requirements— into larger categories (e.g., mathematics and science courses could be included in the “STEM” category).
4. Reduce and/or modify diploma assessment requirements to allow more assessment options.
5. Create state-developed rubric(s) for any performance-based assessments allowed as an option to satisfy the diploma assessment requirements.
6. Create more specific, tailored graduation requirements to address the unique circumstances of certain groups of students (e.g., non-compulsory age students, newcomer students, refugee students).
7. Provide exemptions from diploma assessment requirements for students with significant cognitive disabilities and major life events and extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical conditions, death of a family member, trauma prior to sitting for a required exam).
8. Pursue regulatory changes to allow the discretion to confer high school degrees posthumously.
9. Require all New York State teacher preparation programs to provide instruction in culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE) practices and pedagogy.
10. Require that professional development plans include culturally responsive-sustaining education practices and pedagogy.
11. Review and revise the New York State learning standards.

To make up for less Regents exams, state education officials have proposed the concept of other forms of assessment, such as presentations and projects.

Although these recommendations are not final, the Board of Regents will spend the next several weeks debating before making any final moves.

Officials say any finalized decisions may take several years to implement.

New York State Department of Education Regents Board Room image.