43.0°,
A Few Clouds Creating alternative pathways to graduation
State board eases Regents exam requirement for students with disabilities
The New York State Board of Regents voted on June 13 to change the requirements for high school students with disabilities to graduate.
A 16-0 vote enacted a new regulation that states that students with individual learning programs will only need to pass two Regents exams —the English and math tests — rather than the four previously required. Along with the English and math exams, the students will also be required to take exams in science, social studies and a subject of their choice. The new rule went into effect on June 20.
These new regulations were implemented to accommodate students with disabilities who are unable to obtain a passing grade on the Regents exams, even with extended time. These students will not receive a Regents diploma, but will receive what is called a local diploma.
“This opens the door a crack and I am grateful for the students who will be helped by this change,” said State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach).
In order to pass the exams, students must achieve at least a 55. If students fail the exams, the superintendent of their school district will decide whether or not to grant them a diploma by reviewing the merit of their coursework. The student’s final grade, class work completed throughout the year and grades received on homework, quizzes, tests and projects will be under review.
According to the Regents Board, for a superintendent to pass a student, the course work must “demonstrate the student has met the learning standards for the course and actively participated in the exam required for graduation.”
“The Regents and I are determined to provide multiple pathways to graduation for all of our students,” said Betty A. Rosa, the Board of Regents chancellor.
“Regarding the Regents Diploma changes, we welcome state action to make the regents diploma more accessible for our students with disabilities,” but I believe
it is too early to predict the impact of this decision,” said Mark Secaur, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Hewlett-Woodmere district.
According to Lawrence Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Pedersen, the change could benefit up to 20 students in the district this year.
“The district has always focused on the student needs first and the test scores second,” said Pedersen, who, along with being the deputy superintendent, also serves as the principal of the district’s Number Four School and is in charge of curriculum and instruction in the district.
Lawrence will continue to provide multiple pathways to ready students for college or a career, offering the opportunity to supplement schoolwork with a class from the vocational training program. In addition to the program, the high school will offer a vocational lab.
“This change will further allow us to address the students’ learning profile to best prepare them for college or a career,” Pedersen said.
