Local Superintendent Supports Proposal for Fewer Regents Exams
The New York Board of Regents has proposed eliminating a number of Regents Exams as a way to save the state education department over $13 million.
The mandatory tests are given to students throughout New York in a number of subjects. The board has proposed eliminating some foreign language Regents, along with history and science Regents for certain grades.
Ithaca City School District superintendent Judy Pastel favors the proposal, saying New York already administers too many tests – time that could be spent learning. Pastel also argues the proposal would save individual districts money as well.
Opponents of the proposal say the elimination of certain Regents will also mean schools will have to cut back on the number of courses they offer. Pastel says many districts will be doing that anyway as they continue to look for cost saving measures.
Ithaca Alderwoman Maria Coles says laying off city workers to raise the salaries of some CSEA employees is “not a good equation," but admits every option is being examined as city officials meet with union reps.
The New York Legislature's "extraordinary session" to finally pass the late state budget Wednesday night was anything but extraordinary, with nine senators not showing up and no agreements on which to vote.
Test scores on New York State’s English and Math assessments for students in grades 3 to 8 dropped this year as a result of changes to the formula used to determine proficiency levels.
Federal regulators say corroded steel supports and inadequate maintenance led to the collapse of a loading bin that killed one worker and injured another at the Cargill Salt mine in Lansing last year.
