Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The State Education Department is cancelling Regents tests for January 2021 because of COVID19.
"The Board and I are enormously grateful to the dedicated educators, school staff, community members, and parents who are working so diligently to ensure that students are safe and healthy this school year," said Board of Regents Vice Chancellor T. Andrew Brown. "Whether they are engaged in in-school, hybrid or remote learning, we are committed to ensuring each of New York's students has access to the rigorous coursework necessary to prepare them for success this year and beyond. The cancellation of the January Regents Examinations will not impact that priority."
"Throughout the pandemic our priority has been the health and wellbeing of our students and educators," said Interim Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. "We determined the January Regents Exams could not be safely, equitably and fairly administered across the State given where the pandemic currently stands. We will continue to monitor applicable data and make a decision on other State assessment programs as the school year progresses, being mindful of the evolving situation."
No decision has been made yet regarding the June and August exams.
The department says it will propose modifications to the assessment requirements that students must meet to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements at the December Board of Regents meeting. These modifications apply to all students who are completing a secondary-level course of study or make-up program in January and are scheduled to participate in one or more of the January 2021 Regents Examinations.
NYSUT released the following statement:
"In the interest of safety, equity and fairness, canceling the January Regents exams is the right choice. We applaud Interim Commissioner Rosa, the Board of Regents and the State Education Department for putting students first with changes to state exam requirements that still allow them to achieve a diploma without being penalized during this pandemic."
