NY Cancels Regents Exams, Eases Graduation Requirements

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Education canceled the June Regents exams and announced new graduation requirements in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the department delayed the rollout of the English Language Arts and Math state assessments for grades 3 to 8 until spring 2022. The New York P-12 Science Learning Standards was also pushed back and will now begin in spring 2023.

"In times of crisis difficult decisions must be made and the Board of Regents knows these are ultimately the right ones for New York’s students," Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. "We are putting the safety of children, families and educators first, while ensuring that the hard work done by our students and teachers is honored."

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced New York's stay-at-home order will remain in effect until April 29, with the NY PAUSE program keeping schools and nonessential businesses closed.

The state department modified the requirements for students to earn high school diplomas, credentials and endorsements. These modifications apply to all students enrolled in grades 7 to 12 during the 2019-20 school year who were intending to participate in one or more of the June Regents exams.

Students who would have taken one or more Regents tests will be exempt from passing the assessments in order. To qualify for the exemption, students must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• The student is currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents exam and will have earned credit in such course of study by the end of the 2019-20 school year; or
• The student is in grade 7, is enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents exam and will have passed such course of study by the end of the 2019-20 school year; or
• The student is currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents exam and has failed to earn credit by the end of the school year. Such student returns for summer instruction to make up the failed course and earn the course credit and is subsequently granted diploma credit in August 2020; or
• The student was previously enrolled in the course of study leading to an applicable Regents exam, has achieved course credit, and has not yet passed the associated Regents exam but intended to take the test in June 2020 to achieve a passing score.

"Every day we see more and more examples of the tireless dedication of educators, administrators and parents to support their students as they continue to learn and work toward a meaningful diploma during the state of emergency and we are grateful to them for their efforts," Interim Commissioner of Education Shannon Tahoe said. "During this time of great uncertainty, the Department has developed this guidance to ensure that students who were on track to graduate this year will have that opportunity."