Teacher Times #23
February 23, 2015
Staff BirthdaysAmy Silva 3/1
New 4+1 Exam Requirements for GraduationThe New York State Board of Regents recently passed amendments to the State Commissioner’s Regulations §100.2 and §100.5, which change the exams that students must pass in order to graduate from high school. Beginning this June, the 4+1 Graduation Option will be available to any students who are eligible to receive a high school diploma from June 2015 onwards. Note that students must still pass the English language arts and any Regents exam in mathematics, science, social studies in order to graduate (as in the past, an acceptable NYSED-approved alterative to the Regents exam also qualifies). In addition to these four exams, students may now choose to use any one of the following exams as their fifth assessment (i.e. their +1 option):
§ One additional Regents examination in a different course in social studies (or a NYSED-approved alternative); § One additional Regents examination in a different course in mathematics (or a NYSED-approved alternative); or § One additional Regents examination in a different course in science (or a NYSED-approved alternative). For a list of NYSED-approved alternatives, see here. Note that this option is available to students who are eligible to receive a high school diploma in June 2015 and thereafter and does not apply to students who met these requirements prior to June 2015. Where appropriate, you should ensure that your current seniors are aware of this new 4+1 option, and you should program students who will be taking advantage of this option to take additional exams this June. Note that the 4+1 option does not change existing course or credit requirements for graduation; your students must continue to meet current course requirements as well as the requirement to complete 44 credit units. For more information, see this FAQ Grant OpportunitiesGrant opportunities are posted on the Grants website (you can visit the page on any computer using this link). This week’s highlights include:
§ The Spring 2015 Jamba Juice “It’s All About the Fruit and Veggies” Garden Grant |
Pics Of The Week
Professional Development and Student OpportunitiesProfessional development and student opportunities are posted on the PD and Student Opportunities page. This week’s highlights include:
All Schools: § Register by February 25: Reservoir Tour for School Groups § Submit by March 1: 29th Annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest § Submit by March 6: 2015 School Wellness Poster Contest § Register by March 6: Highlight Your School's Successes at the 2015 School Technology Summit § Register by March 9: “Creating Professional Learning Communities that Foster Student Growth” Workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art § Register by March 9: Yo-Dan-Nastics™ Classes for Children, Teens, and Adults § Register by March 13: Weekend Workshop at the New-York Historical Society: New York Women in Wartime Elementary and Middle Schools: § Register by February 27: Register for Increase Writing Achievement in Grades 3-8: Practical Strategies for Teaching Literary Essay and Building High-level Writing Success event § Ongoing: Discover FDR Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island Middle Schools: § Participate on March 5: History & Theater at the New-York Historical Society: Bringing the Past to Life § Participate on March 7: Art Club: Art History 101 at The Frick Collection Middle and High Schools: § Apply by March 2: Facing History Grant Opportunity for NYC Public Schools § Apply by March 16: GOALS for Girls Summer Intensive at Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum High Schools: § Apply by March 1: Have Your Students Apply To Trip of a Lifetime for This Summer § Apply by March 23: School Art League Scholarships and Awards |