NYSED seeks input on proposed requirement changes for graduation
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — The New York State Education Department has proposed changes in the requirements needed for high school students to graduate and receive a diploma. Monday evening, they hosted a public forum on those requirements at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES on Middle Settlement Rd. in New Hartford.
The forum was just one of many Blue-Ribbon Commission Ambassador Forums, that are gathering feedback from the public on the commission’s recommendations for graduation requirements.
One of those proposals includes removing regents as a requirement to graduate. Instead, diplomas will be given through credits earned in a variety of classes, from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to arts and financial literacy.
Officials say input from the public is key in ensuring students get the best education possible.
“We really need their incite,” says Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES District Superintendent Patricia Kilburn. “One of the things that’s really important in the State Education Department is to make sure we have equity in the educational process, so all children have an opportunity to be prepared and earn a high school diploma.”
New York State Regent, Patick A.Mannion says there are more ways to show students are learning than just taking a test.
“There are a lot of people who believe that we as a state, put more emphasis on tests, than we do on learning. We need to take steps to include as many people as we can in avenues where they can succeed. Whether they’re good at taking tests or not.”
Parents and educators weren’t the only ones at Monday’s forum. Students like Poland Central School senior Jack Hoffman were also there to offer their input.
“Well, I think it’s great that the state is trying to give students an alternate pathway who may not fall into the traditional graduate high school, go to college, timeline, but at the same time towing the line between making sure we are creating prepared, well-rounded citizens.”
Click here to take a closer look at NYSED’s proposed graduation requirements.