The first two of six forums focusing on potential future graduation requirements in New York State were held Sept. 10 in Dutchess BOCES’ Conference Center.
Pawling Central School District Superintendent Kim Fontana and Beacon City School District Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Support Dr. Sagrario Rudecindo-O’Neill facilitated the forums (one geared specifically to educators and one for the public) with Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia. Educators from BOCES and other Dutchess County school districts attended.
The proposed transformations include:
• Adoption of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate.
• Phasing out diploma assessment requirements by eliminating the need to pass the Regents exams or a +1 Pathway assessment to graduate.
• Redefining credits by adding career and technical education and financial literacy requirements.
• Moving to one diploma statewide with advanced designations.
• Requiring all state teacher preparation programs to provide instruction in culturally responsive-sustaining education practices.
“The main goal for the Blue Ribbon Commission was to develop recommendations to the Board of Regents on what measures of learning and achievement could better serve New York students’ diverse population,” Fontana said. “The task was to determine what students should know and be able to do upon graduation and how they should be able to demonstrate that knowledge.”
After sharing the information, attendees were encouraged to discuss how these measures would be implemented and any potential challenges surrounding them. The educators used a QR code from
ThoughtExchange to record their responses and can record additional responses until October.
“It’s very important that we hear from the field because that information is going to be used to come up with an implementation plan,” Rudecindo-O’Neill explained. “We want to make sure that, because this is so important, we’re talking about our students and that we do it in a way that’s meaningful.”
Arlington High School guidance counselor Michelle Hartman often has students sharing their concerns regarding Regents and welcomes the changes the commission are suggesting.
“This is a really good way for kids to show what they know without it being people teaching to a test,” Hartman said. “We’re trying to meet students where they are and giving everyone an opportunity; one diploma allows everybody to be the same.”
Amie Fredericks, BOCES teacher of the deaf, is optimistic about the future of New York students after attending the Sept. 10 session, praising the commission’s efforts.
“The efforts from the Blue Ribbon Commission are tremendous and are truly putting each student first,” Fredericks said. “By allowing multiple pathways to achieve graduation, each student can feel valued and respected.”
Be sure to let your voice be heard and sign up for one of the next forums:
Thursday, Sept. 19, at Dutchess BOCES
Educator forum, 4:30-6 p.m. or https://bit.ly/BRC-EducatorForumSept19
Public forum, 6:30-8 p.m. or https://bit.ly/BRC-Public-ForumSept19
Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Beacon High School, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon
Educator forum, 4:30-6 p.m. or https://bit.ly/BRC-EducatorForumOct16
Public forum, 6:30-8 p.m. or https://bit.ly/BRC-Public-ForumOct16
Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Pawling Middle School, 80 Wagner Road, Pawling
Educator forum, 4:30-6:30 p.m. or https://bit.ly/BRC-EducatorForumOct23
Public forum, 6:30-8 p.m. or https://bit.ly/BRC-Public-ForumOct23