June Regents exam canceled for 2019 - 20 school year

Posted

The New York State Board of Regents passed a series of measures on April 6 aimed at easing the burden on school districts during the coronavirus epidemic, including the suspension of Regents exams for the year.

The State Education Department issued a news release on Monday, saying it will “amend the commissioner’s regulations to provide that an alternative form of evaluation for students receiving home instruction, in lieu of an annual assessment, will be permitted for all grades in the 2019 – 20 school year, due to the State of Emergency declared by the governor.”

“The Covid-19 pandemic has put a tremendous burden on many New Yorkers, and our schools and children are no exception,” Betty Rosa, the Board of Regents chancellor, said in a statement. “The regulations passed by the board today will allow schools, students and professionals much-needed flexibility while they adapt to this rapidly evolving situation.”

In addition to the cancelation of the Regents exams, the board also passed resolutions:

  • Excusing the “continuous experience” requirement for speech-language pathology, audiology and occupational therapy.
  • Granting an exemption for in-person supervision requirements for social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, creative arts therapy and psychoanalysis.
  • Ensuring schools would not be punished for failling to meet the 180-day requirement.
  • Excluding any day when school is closed in an English language learner’s identification process timeline.
  • Permitting charter schools to delay payments to public schools for up to 30 days.

At the Sewanhaka Central High School District, Superintendent James Grossane posted on the district’s website that he will keep the public informed about any updated, and noted that the district is remaining open during its scheduled spring break. Those who are observing holidays this week, and cannot attend classes or submit required coursework, should email their teachers.

The district has also closed its track and fields out of an abundance of precaution, Grossane noted, and officials will follow the advice of the Department of Health to determine when it would be safe for students to return to school to retrieve their belongings.

“Everyone, especially our students, must understand the importance of social distancing and the practicing of good health habits, especially in what is now considered a crucial time in the spread of COVID-19,” he wrote. “Thank you for your patience and understanding.”