By:Nicole Falco
The class of 2005 and all classes after them will have to pass English, math A, global studies, U.S. history, and science (usually earth science or life science) regents exams. Summer school and re-testing await students who do not score at least 65.
Regents are administered this year between June 13 and June 24.
"I think a lot of kids in school think to be here is enough. Now the regents comes along and you can't get credit until you pass it. I think it's a good way into pushing kids into trying to work harder," said John Seminerio, a freshman at Memorial Junior High School currently preparing for the math A and living environment regents.
Valley Stream Central High School District's annual state-issued report card revealed that 64 percent of the Class of 2001 earned a regents diploma. That percentage is just below the Nassau County average of 67 percent.
At first glance that statistic might seem daunting to the Class of 2005, but it shouldn't be according to Dr. Ronald Valenti, high school district superintendent. Actually, 64 percent of the Class of 2001 passed eight regents exams to earn what is now being called an advanced regents diploma, which is three more exams than what is required for the Class of 2005 for a regular regent's diploma.
"I see virtually 100 percent of students earning a regents diploma," Valenti said. "That for this district is going to be the easiest hill to climb."
Though an advanced diploma is not required, Valenti said the district's goal for June 2003 is to have 70 to 75 percent of graduates earn an advanced regents diploma, a 10 percent increase over the number who earned one in 2001.
The advanced regents diploma requires students to take additional regents exams including math B and another science regents such as chemistry or physics and a language, Valenti said.
Seminerio and many others have been taking advantage of regents preparation courses offered by the district before and after school.
Ellen Edwards, one of Memorial's two assistant principals, said that in addition to optional prep courses, the district offers numerous programs that are directly scheduled into a student's day. Programs include academic intervention in English and math for seventh, eighth and ninth graders, homework-help clubs, a literacy program for ninth graders and district newcomers, and learning labs for ninth graders. Under the direction of Jill Gold, the district's Guidance Department will continue to ensure students are enrolled in the necessary courses needed to meet regents requirements and graduate on time, school officials said.
"We [the district] think we've targeted all the students that have demonstrated a need for additional support. We are confident they will meet the requirements for a regents diploma," Edwards said. "We put new programs in place every year...it is an ongoing evaluation process."
In addition to preparing for the regents, students have final exams and many participate in a host of after-school activities from sports to honor societies and clubs. Many have after-school jobs.
"I get up early to go to school; I go to work, help with chores, help cook; I usually have an hour of homework," said Memorial freshman Sarah Steenbeek. Besides taking accelerated classes and passing two regents in the eighth grade, Steenbeek plays soccer and is a member of the ceramics and photography clubs.
"My parents have some kind of policy that if you don't do well in school, you won't do well in life," Steenbeek said. "I want to be who I want to be. I want to make enough money to live where I want, drive the kind of car I want to. You can't be something without an education."
New York is one of the few states that still administers course "exit examinations," but they are making a comeback in other states.
"Passing the regents means the students have taken a rigorous course of study...and that's not true in every state," Edwards said.
Liz Beauvio, a Memorial ninth grader, will be taking regents for the first time this year. Beauvio said the new requirement that students must pass five regents exams to graduate "gives people a reason not to be hanging out on the streets and [instead] be home studying."
As summer break approaches, the entire high school district is abuzz with tests. The pressure is on students to pass these exams and on teachers to make sure students are ready to pass.
"Teachers take students' successes and failures as their own," Edwards said.
"Students will rise to the occasion when properly challenged," Valenti said. "Many more youngsters are capable of higher level performance than they are given credit for."
Even as crunch time approaches and students prepare their No. 2 pencils for exams, Beauvio said, "I'm not really nervous. If you just do what you have to do then there is nothing to be nervous about."
