Because of uncertainty about the resumption of traditional classroom instruction, the New York State Education Department has canceled Regents exams scheduled for June. Students must pass a number of Regents exams, high school-level tests, in order to graduate.
The state has also rolled out new guidelines for graduation requirements in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"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," Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said in a statement.
The tests have been canceled across the board, including those for seventh and eighth graders taking Regents-level classes. Canceled tests will not be recorded on students' transcripts, and students will not be penalized for their omission when they graduate.
Seniors will still graduate, provided they have earned a passing score and credit for any course, either in the current year or a previous year, that would have culminated in a June 2020 Regents exam. If a senior has not passed a required Regents class, he or she must return for summer school and earn a passing grade at that time; the student will then be awarded a diploma in August.
The state previously canceled this year’s English and math tests for children in grades three through eight.
"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," Ms. Rosa said.