1. Updates to the New York State Diploma Requirements
Eastern Suffolk Boces
Curriculum Council and Special Education Directors
February 9, 2018
Marybeth Casey Associate
Office of Curriculum and Instruction

2. Requirements New York State High School Diploma
22 Credits accomplished by successfully completing course work
4-8 Assessments accomplished by successfully passing Regents exams, Department approved alternatives or pathway exams
New York State High School Diploma
NYS requirements are separate and distinct and do not have to happen simultaneously.
Students may earn diploma credit for successfully completing a course but fail to meet the corresponding Regents assessment requirement; or
Students can fail a course and receive no academic credit but fulfill an assessment requirement if they pass a Regents examination in that course.
As long as students earn the 22 credits in the required disciplines and pass the required assessments in the discipline they meet the diploma requirements

3. Regents with Advanced Designation
Diploma Types
Regents
4-5 Assessments
Regents with Advanced Designation
7-8 Assessments
Local
22 Credits
All students have access to the 3 Basic diploma types
Meeting the requirements for the Regents Diploma and the Advanced Regents Diploma are standard across all student populations
Local diploma requirements vary by subgroup; general education, students with disabilities, and English language learners
The following slides outline the requirements for each subgroup to earn the various diploma types

4. Distribution of Credits
Local Diploma, Regents Diploma, Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation
Content Area
Minimum Number of Credits
English 4
Social Studies Distributed as Follows: U.S. History (1) Participation in Government (1/2) Economics (1/2) Other (2)
(students entering grade 9 in 2016 and thereafter must earn 2 credits in Global History and Geography)
Science Distributed as Follows: Life Science (1) Physical Science (1) Life Science or Physical Science (1) 3
Mathematics
Languages Other than English (LOTE) 1*
Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or Theater 1
Physical Education 2
Health
0.5
Electives
3.5
Total 22
Every diploma requires 22 units of credits distributed as outlined in the slide
The coursework selected in the various disciplines is locally determined and will depend upon which diploma the student is seeking
*Students with disabilities may be exempt from the LOTE required credit if so indicated on their IEP

5. Assessment Requirements 4 Required Regents Examinations:
Pathways 4+1
Pathways
All students must pass
4 Required Regents Examinations:
One in each discipline
CDOS
CTE
STEM
Humanities
Arts
LOTE
English
Science
Social Studies
Math
In March 2016 the Board of approved another option to expand the current 4+1 pathway option to include a 4 + CDOS Pathway. This is now available to students otherwise eligible to graduate beginning June 2016 and thereafter.
First: the regulatory change allows all students to earn the CDOS credential. Previously only students with disabilities had access to this credential.
Second: The regulation allows the +1 pathway option to be fulfilled by the CDOS credential rather than a 5th assessment. Students have to pass one test in each discipline and then meet all the requirements described to earn the CDOS credential. 24

6. Completing a Pathway An additional math or science exam
CDOS
CTE
STEM
Humanities
Arts
LOTE
An additional math or science exam
A NYSED approved CTE examination after the student successfully completes a NYSED approved CTE program
A NYSED approved exam in the Arts
A NYSED approved exam in LOTE
An additional English or social studies exam
The completion of all the components of the CDOS commencement credential

7. Dual Role of CDOS Passing Regents Examinations in
CDOS as a Pathway to Local or Regents Diploma
CDOS as a Standalone Credential
Passing Regents Examinations in
ELA
Math
Science
Social Studies
All the CDOS Credential Requirements
Students attempt, but do not successfully complete all the Regents or local diploma requirements but do complete all the CDOS credential requirements

8. CDOS Commencement Credential Requirements – 2 Options
Available to all students except students assessed using the New York State Alternate Assessment seeking the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential. Available as a stand alone credential or added to a Local or Regents diploma.
Criteria:
Career Plan
Employability Profile
Demonstrated achievement of CDOS Standards
216 hours of CTE coursework and/or work-based learning experiences (of which at least 54 hours must be in work-based learning experiences)
CDOS Commencement Credential – Option 1
Criteria - meeting the requirements for one of the nationally recognized work readiness credentials
National Work Readiness Credential;
SkillsUSA Work Force Ready Employability Assessment;
National Career Readiness Certificate WorkKeys - (ACT);
Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems Workforce Skills Certification System.
CDOS Commencement Credential – Option 2
Two available options to meet the requirements for the credential

9. Multiple Pathways Web Page

10. What is the Difference Between a Regents and Local Diploma?
The answer depends on two factors:
To which subgroup does a student belong
Student with a Disability
English Language Learner
General Education
What scores did the student attain on the
required examinations for graduation.

11. Assessment Requirements –Regents Diploma
Regents Diploma for all students
Regents Diploma via Appeal for all students
Regents Exam or passing score on a Department Approved Alternative
# of Exams
Passing Score
English Language Arts (ELA) 1 65
1 exam with a score of for which an appeal has been granted by the district and all other required exams with a 65 or greater
Math
Science
Social Studies
Pathway
1 (or CDOS)
65 if Regents Exam
Compensatory Safety Net
Non Applicable
The various diploma types are differentiated by 2 factors
The passing score on the examinations used to meet the diploma requirements
The number of assessments a student successfully passes
All diplomas call for students to pass a minimum of 1 examination in each discipline; ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, plus 1 pathway assessment (or CDOS)
Pathway assessments consist of the following:
An additional math or science Regents exam in a different course from that which was used in the 4 required exams
An additional social studies Regents exam in a different course
Any exam from the list of Department approved alternative examinations in a different course
Any exam from the list of Department approved technical assessments after successfully completing a Department approved CTE program
A Department approved arts pathway or LOTE pathway examination.
In lieu of a Pathway assessment (1-5 above) a student can meet the requirements for a CDOS commencement credential and graduate with 4 exams + CDOS
The Regents diploma requires each student to pass 5 examinations with a 65 or better (or 4 exams +CDOS) or 4 examinations (or 3+CDOS) with a 65 and 1 examination with a for which an appeal has been granted by a local district.
Department Approved Alternatives to Regents Exams can
be found at:

12. Local Diploma Through Appeal All Students
Local Diploma via Appeal for All Students
Regents Exam or passing score on a Dept. App. Alt
# of Exams
Passing Score
English Language Arts (ELA) 1
2 exams with a score of for which an appeal has been granted by the district and all other required exams with a 65 or greater
Math
Science
Social Studies
Pathway
1 or CDOS
Compensatory Safety Net
Non Applicable
All students can meet the local diploma requirements by:
Passing 3 required examinations with a 65 or better; and
Passing 2 required examinations with a for which an appeal is granted by the local district
(Students with disabilities can use this option but would not need to because they have access to the low pass safety nets
This is the only avenue that provides for a general education student to earn a local diploma

13. Local Diploma Through Appeal English Language Learner
Local Diploma via Appeal for English Language Learners
Regents Exam or passing score on a Dept. App. Alt
# of Exams
Passing Score
English Language Arts (ELA) 1
ELA with a score of for which an appeal has been granted and all other required exams with a score of 65 or greater OR
1 exam with a score of and ELA with a score of for which appeals have been granted by the district and all other required exams with a score of 65 or greater
Math
Science
Social Studies
Pathway
1 or CDOS
Compensatory Safety Net
Non Applicable
English Language Learners
English Language Learners can appeal a score as low as 55 on their ELA exam only. If the student uses this flexibility, the most they can earn is a local diploma. The student can however appeal a second exam within the score range of and still qualify for a local diploma.
Passing 4 exams with a minimum score of 65 and ELA with a score of for which an appeal is granted by the local district
Passing 3 exams with a minimum score of 65, and 1 exam with a score of and ELA with a score of for which appeals has been granted by the district
Note: If the student uses a CDOS pathway they are still eligible to appeal up to two examinations

14. Local Diploma through Safety Nets Students with a Disability
Local Diploma for Students with a Disability
via low pass safety nets
Regents Exam or passing score on a Dept. App. Alt
# of Exams
Passing Score
English Language Arts (ELA) 1
55*^
Math
Science
55* ^
Social Studies
Pathway
1 or CDOS
55* ^ ( if Regents exam)
Compensatory Safety Net
Scores of on any required Regents exam (except ELA and Mathematics) can be compensated by a score of 65 or above on another required Regents exam including ELA and Mathematics.
Students with disabilities can meet the local diploma requirements by:
Low Pass Safety Net: Passing 5 exams with a 55-64
Compensatory Safety Net: Scoring on any required Regents exam (except ELA and Mathematics) by compensating with scores of 65 or above on other required Regents exam including ELA and Mathematics.
Appeal: Passing 3 required examinations with a 55 or better and 2 examinations with a for which an appeal is granted by the local district.
Superintendent Determination : See local-diploma-updated.htm
*Students with a disability seeking the local diploma through the low pass safety-net may
appeal scores of on up to two Regents Examinations.
^ Students with a disability who are unable to obtain a passing score on these examinations may seek a
local diploma by Superintendent’s Determination. See

15. Superintendent’s Determination
The Superintendent if requested,  must make a determination of proficiency in any area/subject  where the student has not passed the associated required Regents Examination in order to grant the local diploma to an eligible student with a disability.
Prior to Dec 12, 2017, this option was only available for Science and Social Studies Regents exams and the student was required to earn a minimum score of  55 or successfully appeal a score of 52 on both the ELA and mathematics Regents exams.
At the December Board of Regents meeting the regulatory provisions to request a Superintendent’s Determination of a local diploma were amended by emergency action and became effective on Dec. 12, These new rules now allow a determination of proficiency to be made in any subject area including ELA and mathematics.

16. Superintendent’s Determination of a Local Diploma
Requests Involving Science and Social Studies Subject Areas Only
Eligibility Requirements:
student with a disability receiving special education services (not applicable to 504 students)
student has participated in and passed all relevant Regents level coursework
Student has actively participated in all required Regents examinations
student has earned a minimum score of  55 or successfully appealed a score of 52 on ELA and Math Regents exams
student has earned the appropriate 22 units of diploma credit
Student’s parent has submitted a written request to the superintendent for a Determination of a Local Diploma
New: Requests Involving Mathematics and/or ELA Subject Areas
Eligibility Requirements:
student with a disability receiving special education services (not applicable to 504 students)
student has participated in and passed all relevant Regents level coursework
Student has actively participated in all required Regents examinations
student has earned the appropriate 22 units of diploma credit
Student’s parent has submitted a written request to the superintendent for a Determination of a Local Diploma
Student has completed all the requirements of the CDOS Commencement Credential
(See temporary exception to the CDOS Requirement on the next slide)

17. Temporary Exception to the CDOS requirement for a Superintendent Determination request involving ELA and/or Mathematics
For  a student with a disability who is eligible to exit high school in the or
school year only, the school district or nonpublic school may award the CDOS
Commencement Credential to such student who has not met all the requirements of
the CDOS Credential for the purposes of the Superintendent Determination only under the following conditions:
The school principal in consultation with relevant faculty must determine the student has otherwise demonstrated knowledge and skills in the Commencement Level CDOS Standards 1, 2, and 3a.
The principal must have evidence that the student has successfully completed relevant instructional and work-based learning activities during the student’s secondary school years that demonstrates the student has readiness skills for entry-level employment.
For students who are otherwise eligible to graduate during the and school years, the total hours of the career and technical education coursework and/or work-based learning activities may be less than the required equivalent of two units of study (216 hours) normally required for the CDOS Commencement Credential.
The exception to the CDOS credential provision is to be used only in the instances when a superintendent is requested to make a Determination of a Local Diploma and such determination includes the areas of ELA and/or mathematics.  It may not be used to grant the student a CDOS Credential for a 4+1 Graduation Pathway option.

18. Transfer Students from Outside the State of NY

19. Physical Education Changes

20. Physical Education (PE) Requirements Before the Change at the September 2017 BOR Meeting
All students must:
Earn 2 credits in PE to meet the
diploma requirements
Enroll in PE every semester
they attend high school
No exemptions for out of state transfer students

21. Physical Education (PE) Credit Requirement Changes
Applicability: All students who transfer to a NY State high school from outside the State at any time during their high school career
Key Change:
Such transfer students must:
earn ¼ credit of PE for every semester they are enrolled in a NY high school regardless of the number of PE credits they bring with them; AND
enroll in PE every semester they are in a NY high school until they have completed 8 semesters (4 years) of high school
# Semesters Expected in a NYS School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum number of PE credits required for graduation
1/4
1/2
3/4
1 ¼
1 ½
1 ¾

22. Physical Education (PE) Enrollment Requirement Changes
Applicability: All students
Key Change:
Students may cease enrolling in PE when both of the following criteria have been met:
They complete the eighth semester of high school; AND
They have obtained the required number of credits to graduate per the chart below
# Semesters Spent in a NYS School 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum number of PE credits required for graduation
1/4
1/2
3/4
1 ¼
1 ½
1 ¾

23. Exam Waiver Changes

24. Existing Transfer Student Testing Requirements Before the Change at the September BOR Meeting
Students who enter a registered New York State
high school for the first time in grade 11 may be exempt from the Global History and Geography Regents and may meet the assessment requirements for a Regents or local diploma by passing the Regents Exams in :
ELA
1 Math,
1 Science
US History
Students who enter a registered New York State
high school for the first time in grade 12 may be exempt from the Global History and Geography Regents and the Science Regents and may meet the assessment requirements for a Regents or local diploma by passing the Regents Exams
in :
ELA
1 Math
US History
These rules were not applicable to students who spent as
little as one day in a NY high school.

25. Changes to Transfer Student Testing Requirements as of the September, 2017 Board of Regents Meeting
Students who enter a registered New York State
high school for the first time in grade 11 or who re-enter after having been enrolled for 3 or fewer semesters in a New York State
high school, may be exempt from the Global History and Geography Regents and may meet the assessment requirements for a Regents or local diploma by passing the Regents Exams in :
ELA
1 Math,
1 Science
US History
Students who enter a registered New York State
high school for the first time in grade 12 or who re-enter after having been enrolled for 3 or fewer semesters in a New York State
high school, may be exempt from the Global History and Geography Regents and the Science Regents and may meet the assessment requirements for a Regents or local diploma by passing the Regents Exams
in :
ELA
1 Math
US History

26. Flexibility for Students of Active Duty Transitioning Military Families Under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

27. Special Provisions
Applicable to: Transitioning students of active duty military families
NY Schools will provide and accept unofficial hand carried records from such students for the purpose of placement while awaiting official records
Such students will have 30 days to obtain required immunizations
NY schools will honor the placement of students in educational courses, extracurricular and interscholastic activities when available and if space allows
A properly executed power of attorney is to be considered sufficient for the purpose of establishing residency

28. Exams Accepted in Lieu of Regents Exams
Applicable to: Transitioning students of active duty military families
NY Schools will accept the following in lieu of Regents exams required for graduation:
exit or end of course exams required for graduation in the sending state, where the principal from the school in the sending state attests in writing that the student has achieved a satisfactory passing score on such exam(s) and has met the proficiency standards for the course(s) assessed in the sending state.
national norm referenced achievement tests, where the principal from the school in the sending state attests in writing that the student has achieved a score equal to or greater than the national grade equivalent corresponding to the grade in which the corresponding Regents examination required for graduation is typically administered
where the principal of the school has accepted course credit for a course that would typically culminate in an examination required for graduation in New York State, the principal shall accept any corresponding alternative end of course local examination for such course(s), where the principal from the school in the sending state attests in writing that the student has achieved a score on such exam that meets the proficiency standards for the course assessed in the sending state

29. New Guidance Chart Updated January 2018

31. Additional Information
Information on the Superintendent’s Determination of a Local Diploma
Additional Information on the General Education and Diploma Requirements can be found at
Questions related to the graduation requirements can be directed to
Questions on the transfer credit regulations can be directed to
Questions on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children can be directed to
Quick Links for Graduation Requirements (LLK Consulting)
Don’t forget you can request a Level 2 Report (L2RPT) from your district showing the progress of your students as it relates to assessment requirements met toward a diploma. Report Title: SIRS 340 and 341, Graduation Exam Requirements Summary and Detail reports