Kaminsky Issues Statement on Board of Regents’ Diploma Options Decision

(Albany, New York) – Senator Todd Kaminsky issued the following statement about the NYS Board of Regents’ decision on diploma options for student with disabilities.

“This opens the door a crack and I am grateful for the students who will be helped by this change.  However, there are still many students who continue to be denied a path to a diploma. Recognizing the true potential of every student must be our standard. In the coming year, I call on the Board of Regents to redouble their efforts to ensure that every student who has demonstrated the potential to succeed is given a pathway to a diploma.”

The Board of Regents issued a decision today that will allow students with a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) to obtain a recognized high school diploma, at the determination of the school superintendent, if they receive a minimum score of 55 on both the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math Regents Exams.  The decision will apply to these students who are scheduled to graduate on and after June 2016.

Senator Kaminsky has championed many causes on behalf of students, parents, teachers and schools, including changes to Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) and alternate diploma options for students.  In June 2015, Kaminsky rallied over 100 of his colleagues to sign a letter to the Board of Regents urging their immediate action on alternative pathways to a diploma, and has written subsequent letters advocating on behalf of students.  While today’s actions are promising, he believes that our students should not be subjected to and evaluated under a “one size fits all” system, and will continue fighting to secure the highest quality education for Long Island’s students.