The January High School Regents Examinations are cancelled because of the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic, State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said Tuesday. This cancellation applies to all Regents Examinations that had been scheduled for January.
No decisions have been made regarding the June and August administrations of Regents Examinations or any other State assessment programs.
“New York set a daunting record last week with more COVID-19 cases reported in one day than ever before,” Rosa said. “Once again, the January Regents Exams cannot be safely, equitably, and fairly administered across the state. We will continue to work with our schools, districts, and stakeholders to ensure they have what they need to provide academic, social and emotional, and mental health supports for our students.”
The department said that changes to diploma requirements will be made as a result. For students affected, the Board of Regents will be asked to approve modifications to assessment requirements students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials and other endorsements.
The New York State United Teachers issued the following statement today regarding the cancellation of the January Regents exams:
“Given the unevenness of this school year with the pandemic still ongoing and the acute social-emotional needs of our students, canceling the January Regents exams is the right choice. We thank Commissioner Rosa, Chancellor Young and the Board of Regents for recognizing that our educators are still assessing their students, preparing them to receive their diplomas and setting them up for success after graduation without this round of state exams.”