Says Agency Wants to Focus on Educational Equity
By Kayleigh Anderson
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recently proposed a series of changes to the requirements that high school seniors in the state must meet to graduate. This includes the elimination of the Regents exam as a requirement for graduation.
The transformation, known as the Blue-Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, would include a refinement of credits, moving to only one type of diploma, adopting a portrait of graduation, and sunset diploma assessment requirements. Students would still be allowed to take the Regents, but only as one of the measures by which students may demonstrate their proficiency in meeting the State’s learning standards.
Under this proposal, to earn a high school diploma, a student will have to demonstrate proficiency in each component of the Portrait, meaning that they must be critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, literate across all content areas, culturally competent, socially-emotionally competent, effective communicators, and global citizens.
In addition, students would be permitted to demonstrate proficiency in a number of different ways, including, for example, through approved work- or service-based learning experiences; dual credit programs such as early college high school; earning a New York State seal or credential; traditional high school courses; approved Career and Technical Education programs; participation in the arts; and passing approved assessments, including Regents exams.
“The bold vision we are advancing today is a direct result of countless hours of collaborative work from an incredibly diverse group of expert practitioners and the public.” Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said. “The educational transformation we envision reflects the thoughtful input we received from our stakeholders — particularly from public school students and their families. We will not stop working until we get the job done right for all New Yorkers.”
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said it’s about providing an equitable learning experience for all students.
“From the very beginning of this effort, I have urged people to understand that our work is about raising the bar for all,” Young said. “True equity and excellence in education is achievable — but only if we provide all students with meaningful educational opportunities and multiple avenues for them to demonstrate their mastery of the State’s rigorous learning standards.”
Young said the NYSED must “prepare students for a lifetime of continuous learning, fulfilling careers, and informed civic engagement. Let’s provide them with the tools to do that — and then let’s stand back and watch as they pursue their own pathway to success.”
The announcement of the possible elimination of the Regents exams caused some strong reactions. Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) fears the elimination of the regent’s exam could leave students ill-prepared for college and could potentially lead to a decline in overall educational quality.
“The Regents exams have long served as a critical benchmark for academic achievement in New York State,” Brown said. “They provide a standardized measure to ensure that students meet minimum academic standards before graduating. Removing these exams undermines the accountability and rigor that are essential in our education system.”
NYSED will conduct a series of Blue Ribbon Commission “Ambassador Forums” between July and October. These forums will provide an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts about these four proposals.