Regents examinations for January 2022 have canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the latest school-related disruption caused by the public health crisis, State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa on Tuesday announced.
State education officials are yet to decide whether the pandemic will affect the June and August Regents exams as well or additional state testing, Rosa said.
“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.”
Changes to diploma requirements will be made as a result of the canceled tests, according to education officials. 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 changes will apply to students who are completing secondary-level course work or make-up examinations and are scheduled to take one or more January Regents tests. In order to qualify for an exemption, a students must be enrolled in a course that would regularly culminate in January 2022 with a Regents test, complete a make-up program to earn course credit or be prepared to take a Regents exam to graduate at the end of the first semester.
