04.07.2020 | Gothamist | With the school year in turmoil, the state Education Department announced on Tuesday several changes to the graduation requirements including exempting the June Regents exam as a condition of high school graduation. Regents exams for students in lower grades have been canceled.

In a release, Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York, hailed the changes as a smart decision:

“This decision is good news for the thousands of students across New York State who are currently navigating unprecedented disruptions to their education. The guidance released today, which allows students in certain situations to demonstrate their readiness to graduate through passing course grades, ensures that students who are on track to earn a diploma will not be penalized for circumstances well beyond their control. Because many students are still struggling to access remote learning, it will be critical—especially once the current crisis has passed—that schools have the resources to provide young people with the additional academic and other support they will need to leave high school prepared for college and careers.” Read article