Restore funding for January Regents exams

When deficit calls for budget cuts it is the job of elected officials to evaluate the merit of the proposed cuts for their fiscal soundness and effect on constituents.
With this in mind, there is one new state cut that will not produce significant savings, but will cause long-term damage to our state’s education system, and greatly affect so many of our children.
This May, in an attempt to save $1.4 million, the New York State Board of Regents eliminated the January test date for Regents exams, and limited the availability of the August exams.
Prior to this decision, students had the opportunity to take a Regents exam in June, August and January. Typically, the majority of students take and pass the exam in June. However, there are still approximately 400,000 young adults every year that depend on the alternative test dates to pass their exams.
As of 2008, Board requirements state that all regular-education students must pass an exam in English, Math, Science, U.S. History and Government, and Global History and Geography with a grade of 65 in order to receive the Regents diploma and graduate high school. Additionally, the board limited the administration of Regents Competency Exams, which only require students with learning disabilities to score a 55 on exams in order to receive credit.
The January and August tests are critical for students in order to graduate. Some students use them to get a head start and avoid having to take multiple tests at once, which prevents burnout and increases a student’s chance of passing. Others use these test dates to retake failed exams. Because the tests administered in August are limited, January may be the only opportunity students have to pass an exam and graduate on time. By eliminating this option, the board risks seeing graduation rates decline.
This decision will have the domino effect of pushing many students off track by delaying their high school graduation and their acceptance and entry into college. With more students being held back every year, and new ones coming in, we will also undoubtedly see an increase in class size- a factor that negatively impacts students and teachers alike.
Additionally, the students striving to receive an Advanced Regents Diploma will be affected as well. If their tests are delayed throughout the course of their high school years, then they risk not being able to apply to colleges with an Advanced Regents Diploma. As colleges make their selections, they give preference to those who display a better readiness for higher education. The Advanced Regents Diploma is an indicator of this quality and helps students get accepted.
These exams have an impact on the future of all high school students. The opportunities that they miss at this pivotal time in life may have long-lasting effects. Whether a person graduates high school or attends college has a dramatic impact on their entire future.
The Board of Regents must realize that supporting our children’s education is an investment in the economy and long-term financial health of our state. We must invest in our children’s education- a measure that has proven to be one of the most effective poverty deterrents and a path to achieving the American Dream.
These changes are a nearsighted solution to a problem that has devastating long-term effects. Reduced funding cannot be a legitimate reason to compromise the future of thousands of New York City teens who are trying so hard to be successful.
The question we must ask the Regents is, is lack of funding the sole reason for this cut or is it lack of creative solutions in tight budgetary times?
Our high school children and their families deserve the answer.