NYSED Parental Right to Decline Examination Waivers

On May 27, 2020, the New York State Education Department (NYSED or “the Department”) issued a memorandum on the parental right to decline examination waivers resulting from the COVID-19 health crisis and the subsequent cancellation of the June and August 2020 Regents Examinations. Due to the cancellations, the Department announced certain modifications to the assessment requirements that students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and/or endorsements. The modifications applied to all students enrolled in grades 7-12 during the 2019-20 school year. In addition, the Department cancelled the January 2021 Regents Examination administration and will again propose modifications to the diploma requirements to the Board of Regents in December 2020 impacting students in grades 7-12.