ALBANY — In light of schools staying closed until at least the end of April, the state Education Department is relaxing requirements necessary for students to get a diploma.
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Earlier this week, the 2020 Regents exam was canceled, a previously pre-requisite for obtaining a Regents diploma. Last month, the state canceled the English Language Arts and mathematics performance exams given to elementary school students.
Under the new graduation requirements, students in grades 7 through 12 only need pass one of the six courses — English, math, global history, U.S. history, science and a language other than English — that would have otherwise ended with a grade of 65 or better on a Regents exam. A student who does not pass any of the classes required for a Regents diploma can make it up over the summer. The Board of Regents has not made a decision on issuing Regents exams in August, as it has in similar situations in the past.
“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 in a statement. “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. These are extraordinary decisions for an unprecedented time, and we thank our school communities for their support and continuing dedication during the statewide school closure.”
Earlier this week Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended the statewide shutdown of all schools until at least the end of April and students have been taking classes remotely.
