Report of Regents P-12 Education/Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) Joint Meeting Committee to The Board of Regents

Your P-12 Education and ACCES Committees held a joint meeting on January 22, 2018.  All members were present, with the exception of Vice Chancellor Brown, Regent Johnson and Regent Norwood, who were excused.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Proposed Amendment of Section 100.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to a New Pathway to a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma – After further review of the proposed regulation presented to the Board in October, 2017 and in an effort to address the feedback received, additional revisions are being presented to the Committee on the proposed amendment to regulations for a new pathway to a NYS High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma.  Currently, in New York State, there are three pathways toward earning a HSE diploma: TASC™ testing (Test Assessing Secondary Completion); approved 24-College-Credit Program; and National External Diploma Program (NEDP).  A fourth pathway would allow students who have passed Regents examinations in Mathematics, English language Arts, Social Studies and/or Science, the opportunity to substitute those passing scores on a maximum of four of the five corresponding TASC™ subtests (Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, and Science.)  This new pathway will provide equitable access points and a diverse means by which New Yorkers can earn a HSE diploma.  The ability to use passing Regents examination scores toward earning a HSE diploma will expand the opportunity for high school students at risk of dropping out as well as students with disabilities to stay engaged with their education and offer an incentive for meeting graduation requirements to those whose circumstances may not allow for completion of high school.

If the committee approves this amendment and following the 30-day public comment period, the proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Regents for permanent adoption at the April 2018 meeting, and the proposed amendment will become effective as a permanent rule on April 25, 2018.  In addition, the Department will collect data regarding the implementation of the proposed amendment and will provide the Board of Regents with a review of the proposed amendment and its implementation in one year.