By Kevin McLaughlin
On Monday, March 15, the New York State Board of Regents voted unanimously to cancel all Regents exams this June except for the four federally mandated tests: English, Algebra, Earth Science, and Living Environment. In doing so, the Board of Regents has announced that students will not be required to pass the Regents exam for any of the exams that are cancelled, but instead students will only have to finish the year with a passing grade to earn credit for the class.
This decision comes about a month after the Biden administration said that students should be taking state exams.
New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta commented on the situation: “In a year that has been anything but standard, forcing states to administer standardized exams is just plain poor federal policy.”
He later praised the committee, saying, “Commissioner Rosa, Chancellor Young, and the Board of Regents are doing what’s necessary to put students’ needs first in a frustratingly backward situation.”
Health is obviously one of the main reasons many of these tests will not be happening, as it is difficult for many schools to socially distance many students in small areas. Another reason for this decision is the inequity of learning that has occurred throughout the state.
As of right now, standardized testing for grades 3-8 is still on for this Spring; however, New York is one of many states to request cancelling the exams.
