State changes regents test requirements

NEW YORK STATE--The New York State Board of Regents on Monday, March 15, acted on a series of emergency regulations to allow for exemptions to diploma requirements associated with the June 2021 and August regents examination administrations. With the COVID-19 crisis still affecting the state of New York and students having varied levels of in-person instruction, the board and the education department are taking steps to provide flexibility for the state's students, families and educators.
These include actions to cancel the August 2021 regents exams and, should the U.S. Department of Education deny the department's waiver request, only four of the June 2021 regents exams will be administered; only session one of the grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and math tests will be required; and only the one-session written test component of the grades 4 and 8 science tests will be administered.
"As we continue to see a global pandemic impact our schools and students in every corner of the state, the board and I are determined to complete this school year in a manner that protects the health and safety of all of New York's children," said Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. "While we were disappointed by the USDE decision not to grant blanket waivers for state assessments, we are confident that the regulatory amendments acted on today and other assessment-related actions by the department provide for the flexibility necessary to meet federal requirements while ensuring the well-being of those in our school buildings."
"The Department continues to engage with USDE in regard to finding the best path forward in offering state assessments for the children of New York," said Commissioner Betty A. Rosa.
The full report is available at https://www.regents.nysed.gov/common/regents/files/321bra5_0.pdf.