Regents exam changes welcomed among high school students in Baldwin pilot program
BALDWIN, Long Island (WABC) -- Students at Baldwin High School who have taken multiple Regents exams say they are not convinced the tests remain the best way to demonstrate mastery of a subject as New York moves toward changing graduation requirements.
Many students at the school speak from experience. Several said they have already completed numerous Regents exams.
"I've taken about five to six regents," one student said.
"I've taken six," said another student.
Baldwin is among a handful of Long Island school districts piloting alternative methods of assessment. School officials say those approaches are designed to evaluate student learning in ways beyond traditional testing.
Junior Zyliah Bailey said Regents exams do not always capture the full scope of student knowledge.
One example is the district's senior experience class, where core subjects are combined in a more integrated format. Students complete projects and presentations rather than relying solely on traditional exams.
"At the end of every unit, they're doing some kind of showcase of learning or presentation. Instead of a traditional test," said Anthony Mignella, superintendent of Baldwin schools.
The New York State Board of Regents plans to eliminate the five mandatory Regents exams as a graduation requirement for the Class of 2028.
Regents exams will become optional, though Baldwin students will still be encouraged to take them as one way of demonstrating achievement.
School leaders say the exams could serve as one of several measures of student performance rather than the sole benchmark.
Students interviewed at Baldwin High School said they support the planned changes. Many already take multiple Advanced Placement exams and believe reducing the emphasis on Regents testing could ease academic pressure.
"I think it's like a really nice way to ease the stress off students, so they can really focus on what it is they need to do," said junior Mekhi Pratt.
New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa also expressed support for reducing barriers associated with the exams.
"It is a barrier for the public school students. It is an absolute barrier," Rosa said.
The proposed shift would allow districts such as Baldwin to continue expanding alternative assessment models while giving students additional ways to demonstrate what they have learned.
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