Policy 7260 – Phase in Graduation Standard of 65 on Required Regents Examinations

The Board of Education supports the higher academic achievement standards established in accordance with Commissioner’s Regulations that sets 65 as the passing grade on all five Regents examinations required for high school graduation (i.e., the Regents comprehensive examination in English, a Regents examination in mathematics, the Regents examination in United States history and government, a Regents examination in science, and the Regents examination in global studies). However, the Board recognizes that additional time  may be necessary for students to transition to these higher standards. Therefore, it is the policy of this District that the following phase in schedule of the 65 graduation standard on required Regents exams is established.

In order to obtain a local diploma, students who first enter grade 9 in September 2005, 2006 and 2007 must attain the following scores on the five required Regents examinations:

Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2005

Unless otherwise authorized pursuant to  law and/or regulations, students who first enter grade 9 in September 2005 must attain a score of 65 or above on two of the five required Regents examinations and a score of 55 or above on the remaining three required Regents examinations.

Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2006

Unless  otherwise authorized pursuant to law and/or regulations, students who first enter grade 9 in September 2006 must attain a score of 65 or above on three of the five required Regents examinations and a score of 55 or above on the remaining two required Regents examinations.

Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2007

Unless otherwise authorized pursuant to law and/or regulations, students who first enter grade 9 in September 2007 must attain a score of 65 or above on four of the five required Regents examinations and a score of 55 or above on the one remaining required Regents examination.

Students entering Grade 9 in 2008

Unless otherwise authorized pursuant to law and/or regulations, students must pass all five required Regents examinations at a score of 65 or above.

Regents Diplomas

Students who score 65 or above on all five required Regents examinations receive a Regents-endorsed diploma. Students who score 65 or above on eight Regents examinations will receive an Advanced Regents diploma.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities will still have the safety net option of taking and passing the Regents Competency Test if they have not been successful on the corresponding Regents exam in order to earn a local diploma. This provision will continue for students with disabilities entering grade 9 prior to September 2010.

For students with disabilities who first enter grade 9 in September 2005 and thereafter, a score by the student of 55-64 may be considered as a passing score on any Regents examination required for graduation; and, in such event, the District may issue a local diploma to such student. This provision shall apply only to students with disabilities who are entitled to attend school pursuant to Education Law Section 3202 or 4402(5).

Appeals Process on Regents Examinations Passing Score to Meet Regents Diploma Requirements

The District has established an appeals process in which students who score within three points of 65 and have met other criteria enumerated in Commissioner’s Regulations that demonstrate they have achieved the State learning standards would be eligible to appeal.

Education Law Sections 3202 and 4402(5)
8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
Section 100.5

Adopted:  09/07/05