THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234 _______________________________________________________________________________________
	James A. Kadamus, Deputy Commissioner Office for Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education Room 875 EBA Albany, New York  12234 Phone:  (518) 474-5915 Fax:  (518-486-2233

Last week, many schools across New York were closed for one day or more because of severe weather conditions. As a result, students who attend those schools were unable to take Regents Examinations and Regents Competency Tests as scheduled. We have analyzed statewide data to assess the impact of the cancellations on students and have consulted with education leaders across the State.

Based on the data and our consultations, we have decided to make an allowance for seniors affected by the cancellations.  This allowance is available to students attending those schools that submit documentation reflecting the examinations canceled and the number of students who were unable to take the examinations. The allowances are:

1. A local course grade of at least 65 or its equivalent may be used in place of any January 2004 Regents Examination(s) or Regents Competency Test(s) other than the Regents Examination in Comprehensive English to meet the associated State testing requirement(s) for a local diploma for students who meet the following criteria:
   • They are enrolled as seniors during the 2003-04 school year, and
   • They were scheduled to take one or more examinations during the January administration and were unable to do so because the examination was canceled due to inclement weather

   To earn a Regents diploma, students must take and pass the required examination(s) with a score of at least 65 during a future administration.

2. If a senior was able to take Session One of the Comprehensive English Examination, but was unable to take Session Two because the examination was canceled due to inclement weather, the school may consider that student eligible to take the Component Retest in Comprehensive English under certain circumstances.  If you have students who fall into this category, please notify the Office of State Assessment at emscassessinfo@mail.nysed.gov and they will send you special instructions.

If you have not already done so, and if you wish to use either allowance for your school’s students, you must submit the requested data on the attached form, either directly to this Department at emscassessinfo@mail.nysed.gov or through your BOCES District Superintendent.

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