Regents are putting NY's education standards in jeopardy by Gloria Sesso

In a recent article titled "Regents are putting NY's education standards in jeopardy," published by Newsday on January 28, 2025, the New York State Board of Regents is advancing two proposals that could significantly alter the state's education system.

The first proposal suggests eliminating the Regents exams as a graduation requirement. Traditionally, these standardized tests have been a cornerstone of New York's educational assessment, ensuring that students meet specific academic standards before earning their diplomas. The removal of this requirement raises concerns about maintaining consistent educational benchmarks across the state.

The second proposal involves adopting a "portfolio-based" assessment system. In this model, students would compile a collection of their work over time to demonstrate their learning and competencies. While this approach offers a more holistic view of a student's abilities, it also presents challenges in standardization and objectivity. Educators may face difficulties in ensuring that portfolios are evaluated consistently, potentially leading to disparities in assessment outcomes.

Critics argue that these changes could undermine the rigor of New York's education system. The Regents exams have long been viewed as a measure of academic excellence, and their elimination might lead to a decline in educational standards. Additionally, the shift to portfolio-based assessments could place increased demands on teachers, requiring extensive time and resources to evaluate each student's work comprehensively.

Proponents of the proposals, however, believe that these changes could lead to a more personalized and meaningful assessment of student learning. They argue that standardized tests often fail to capture a student's full range of abilities and that portfolios can provide a richer, more nuanced picture of student achievement.

As educators, it's crucial to stay informed about these potential changes and consider their implications for teaching practices and student outcomes. Engaging in professional discussions and providing feedback to policymakers can help ensure that any modifications to the assessment system uphold the integrity and quality of education in New York State.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com