Exemptions from Diploma Assessment Requirements for Major Life Events
As leaders in education, the members of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures were mindful of individual student circumstances and needs. As such, one of the Commission’s recommendations was to provide exemptions from diploma assessment requirements for major life events (such as medical conditions, death of a family member, or other trauma).
Based on this recommendation, the Board of Regents approved anÌýto provide such discretion. The amendment allows the superintendent, principal, or head of school (as applicable to a registered nonpublic school or charter school) to make a local determination to grant an exemption from the diploma assessment requirements for students who experienced a major life event prior to the planned administration of a required diploma assessment (i.e., Regents Examination, NYSED-Approved Regents Examination Alternative, or a NYSED-Approved Pathway Assessment).
Additional information related to this amendment may be referenced on the Office of Standards and Instruction’sÌýFrequently Asked Questions about NYS Graduation Requirements webpageÌýwhich includes a list of frequently asked questions related to exemptions for major life events. Additional questions may be referred to the Office of Standards and Instruction via email toÌýP12StandardsInstruction@nysed.govÌýor by calling (518) 474-5922.