Kaminsky Brings Pols Together To Advocate For Diploma Options

Earlier this week, Sen. Todd Kaminsky brought together fellow legislators and state education officials for a forum on giving students more diploma options. More than 400 parents and teachers came to the forum to address their concerns to their representatives.

In 2015, the state changed its policy on how it awarded diplomas to students. All students had to pass five regents tests to receive a diploma, a task that is difficult for many special-education students. In previous years, students had options to receive high school diplomas without the need for passing regents exams. Kaminsky has been fighting to restore the diploma options since the changes were announced.

"Tonight, our top education officials heard from anguished parents, students and educators who are fed up with the system that leaves too many behind," Kaminsky said at the meeting. "It is our duty to ensure that students are able to fulfill their potential, and right now our state needs to do much more to ensure that becomes a reality."

Also at the meeting were representatives from the state Education Department, as well as fellow Legislators. Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa was in attendance, as well as Long Island Regent Roger Tilles and Christopher Suriano, assistant commissioner of the Office of Special Education. Local legislators in attendance, from both sides of the aisle, included Sen. John Brooks and Assembly Members Brian Curran, David McDonough, Melissa Miller and Michaelle Solages.

The panel seemed to have some effect: on Wednesday, the State Education Department tweeted that "We've expanded our opportunities for students - and we're looking to add more pathways to graduation."

"As someone who struggled throughout high school due to an undiagnosed learning disorder, and as a former school board president, I know firsthand that no student is alike and every student learns differently," Brooks said. "We must do more to expand diploma options for all students because the ability to pass a regents exam should not dictate or limit a student's potential to succeed after school. I applaud Senator Kaminsky and Chancellor Rosa for tackling this injustice head-on and including Long Island parents and students in the discussion -- it is the first step to rectifying the problem and honoring the talent and contributions of all students."