By KEITH GRANT
One-hundred percent of last year's graduating senior class at Long Beach High School passed the English Regents exam, indicating that the district may be up to the challenge of stricter standards being imposed by the state.
But while the early results are encouraging, educators caution that success could come at a high price. As the tougher standards have started being implemented in recent years, the district has met the challenge with a proactive approach, one that will need to be pushed forward. Extra-help sessions have been plentiful, and soon middle- and high- school students will have a new 9th period and weekend tutorials at their disposal.
The movement toward all-Regents status -- in which all students will have to earn a Regents diploma in order to graduate high school -- is already having a "major impact" on curriculum, according to Superintendent of Schools Ron Friedman, and will also have a financial one. The extra courses that he feels will be needed to help all of the students to pass could mean the hiring of a dozen new teachers.
"Going to a nine-period school day in the high school and middle school and offering these courses for remediation will have a price tag," Dr. Friedman said. "Is it good for education? Sure. Can we do it in a cost-effective way? Well, we'll make that happen."
Statewide, 97 percent of 12th graders passed last year's required English Regents exam with a minimum score of 55, or passed approved alternative tests. State Education officials see that as proof that students are meeting the challenge of the higher academic standards they have imposed.
Local educators, though, are less enthusiastic and are taking a wait-and-see approach before announcing the standards a success. Not that any of them has a problem with higher standards, but the way the phase-in has been implemented leaves educators worried about what will befall students who will undoubtedly struggle to make the grade.
"I think most superintendents I know have grave concerns about the direction it's going," Dr. Friedman said. "It's nice to raise the bar, but at what price?
While only the English Regents exam was required for graduation last year, current seniors will need to score a 65 percent or better on the English and at least a 55 on the math Regents in order to graduate in June. Ninety percent of last year's Long Beach senior class met that score in math. By the year 2005, students will be required to score 65 percent or better on Regents exams in English, math, American History, Global Studies and one science in order to receive their diploma.
The recently released test-score data focused on students who entered ninth grade in 1996 and were on schedule to be seniors in 2000. The data does not include students who either were held back, transferred to another district, or dropped out of school. When those students are entered into the equation, the results are not as impressive.
Of the 198 students who were on track to graduate in Long Beach's Class of 2000, 11 percent passed the English Regents with a score between 55-65, but 100 percent made at least a 55. Ninety percent of the enrolled students passed the math with at least a 65, with another 1 percent earning between 55-65. Long Beach was one of just 16 Nassau districts to achieve 100 percent on English.
The state had allowed for a "safety net" to this point, which set the minimum score needed in English at 55 rather than the traditional 65. That provision is being phased-out with this year's ninth graders.
Dr. Richard Schear, principal of Long Beach High School, suggested "we're definitely responding to the standards and moving in a direction to allow students to maximize their potential." As far as the question of whether the tests are in the best interests of the students, he said, "That's something for education circles [to discuss]. We have a mandate, and we have to meet it."
Among the changes that will be seen at the high school to help students prepare for the Regents will be Saturday-morning tutorials running right up to the Regents exams, "pizza and tutoring" after-school help sessions, and a pre-test in which students will simulate a Regents exam, which will be graded within 48 hours, and mailed home to parents with a copy of the extra-help schedule. For students the test reveals are in trouble, they'll have five weeks to work to change their grade.
Dr. Friedman said the largest impact on curriculum has been felt at the middle school. Principal Fred Brand said he feels that the school's numerous extra-help programs are paying dividends. "I think we're heading in the right direction," he said. "All districts have a lot to work on."
Dr. Schear noted that one of the biggest changes the standards are bringing about is that there are now students going through the testing process who a few years ago wouldn't have taken Regents. "The movement has asked more of kids," he said. "We had 60 more kids take the math Regents than five years ago, but the same percentage passed."
Dr. Schear added, "As [the standards are] kicking in and the kids will take five exams with a [required] 65, it'll be interesting to see how they do. Statewide, there will be a significant number of kids denied graduation."
