A blue-ribbon commission recommended this week that schools in New York State reduce the use Regents and other exams to meet high school graduation requirements.

The 12 recommendations contained in the report included recommendations on ways to demonstrate student learning, such as capstone projects, and performance-based assessments, instead of Regents exams. The commission also recommended more access to career and technical education, and more matching of standards to career and college expectations.

New York State United Teachers said,  said, “The recommendations from SED’s Blue Ribbon Commission promise a bright future for our students and a positive outlook for New York as an innovator and global economic leader. The recommendations recognize what educators know so well: That each of our students is a unique learner with talents, skills and aspirations that should be fully explored and nurtured on their way to graduation. These proposals would help create young adults who are not just ready for the careers and challenges of today’s dynamic economy but who are lifelong learners and knowledgeable, engaged citizens.”

State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa called the report “a blueprint,” adding, “The real work starts with the design.”