The New York State Education Department canceled the Regents Exams for 2020.
The state also announced that all standardized testing for grades three through eight will be delayed because of the closures due to the coronavirus.
This is the latest seismic shift in New York schooling, following decisions to get kids online and start learning from home and to cancel spring break. Normally, all students are required to pass Regents Exams in order to earn a high school diploma. But this year, students "will be exempted from passing the assessments in order to be issued a diploma."
This doesn't mean that all students will get a diploma, regardless of academic performance. In order to meet eligibility requirements, the student must be "currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents examination and will have earned credit in such course of study by the end of the 2019-20 school year," New York State Education Department said.
If the student doesn't earn credit, then he or she needs to attend summer school and complete the course. In other words, students need to study now to get their diplomas in June. If your scholar needs a little help, we have you covered: The NYPL now offers free homework help and one-on-one virtual tutoring.
Most popular on Time Out
- Disney's free drawing classes teach you how to sketch your favorite princesses
- This Harry Potter-themed digital escape room lets you wander through Hogwarts
- NYC Schools: Spring break is canceled for districts across the state
- Join Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
- Free grab-and-go meals are now available for all New Yorkers
Sign up to receive great Time Out New York Kids deals in your inbox each day.