By ANDY LIU and CHERIE MA
At the start of the global pandemic, the New York State Education Department cancelled all Regents examinations and revised the graduation requirements for the 2019-2020 school year to no longer require the credit obtained from the end-of-year Regents examinations. This policy, however, was changed in the 2020-2021 school year as students and teachers adjusted to school during the pandemic.
The New York State Board of Regents proposed a waiver to the federal government to cancel all 2020-2021 Regents examinations due to concerns over student wellbeing. Roger Tilles, a 17-year member of the New York State Board of Regents, said, “The biggest problem last year was that you had teachers in schools educating their kids by putting packets in parking lots and having the kids pick up packets and then return them at the end of the day with no interaction with their teachers.”
However, the waiver was denied by the United States Department of Education, and 4 tests will be administered in June: English, Living Environment, Algebra I, and Earth Science. Students have the option to choose whether to take the test or not, depending on their current grade in the course. Additionally, the exams will not harm students’ grades if they take the exam but do not do well.
Jericho High School guidance counselor Mr. Deaner said, “It’s a win-win, in a sense. You benefit from taking the exams and doing well.”
He added, “It was a year that was unprecedented, so we’re not going to hurt your grade.”
Freshman Natasha K., who had her Regents cancelled this year, has mixed feelings about not being able to take the exam. “Personally, I would not have minded taking the Regents examination this year because I have been studying for my tests the whole year and I feel prepared to take the exam. However, if I am being honest, I am relieved about the Regents examinations being cancelled this year,” she said.
Freshman Emily Z., who also had her Regents cancelled this year, had similar feelings. She said, “I actually really appreciate the Regents examinations being cancelled because it’s been hard understanding topics this year, so I didn’t think I would do well. It alleviated a lot of stress!”
Unlike the AP tests, the Regents examinations will not be having a virtual option. A major concern with the paper examinations is that students may not be used to using a pencil and paper when they have been on their devices all year. Algebra I teacher Ms. Hume said, “Now this is your first real test, and you can’t search something up on your iPad.”
Ms. Hume prepares her students for the upcoming Algebra I Regents scheduled for June 23, 2021.
Some teachers wish the Regents would not be taking place in June. AP Composition and Language teacher Mrs. Gulitti said, “I just wish we didn’t have to go through another test. I feel bad for the kids. During this pandemic year, it would have been nice to end with the AP exam, since they’ve worked so hard.”
Mrs. Gulitti prepares her students for the English Regents by reviewing practice tests and reading strategies.
Jericho High School Co-principal Dr. Prisinzano trusts students’ judgment about deciding to take the exams or not. He said, “You should do whatever you think is in your best interest. I believe our students are really smart individuals who will make smart decisions for themselves. If you feel it will help you, then I think you should take it.”