High school students in New York may not have to pass the Regents exam in order to graduate in the near future, according to state education officials.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) on Monday said it is looking into the recommendations of the NYS Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures that are designed to bring greater equity to the state’s education system, according to a news release.
The commission recommends phasing out the mandatory passing of the Regents exams and finding more ways for students to prove their proficiency in various subjects and earning credits.
For example, the comission said the state should consider implementing something called the "Portrait of a Graduate," where students can show that they are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, literate across all content areas, culturally competent, socially-emotionally competent, effective communicators and global citizens.
The commission also recommends adding different pathways to gain credit, including 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.
NYSED will run public forums between July and October of this year, and a final proposal will be presented to the Board of Regents in November.
