ALBANY, NY—October 20, 2014—The New York State Board of Regents took a preliminary vote today to introduce flexibility into high school graduation requirements, creating new options for students who excel in career and technical education, foreign languages and the arts.
The “4+1” approach to a high school diploma, would allow students the option of substituting one of the Regents exams required for graduation with a comparably rigorous assessment.
The Regents expect to adopt the regulations at their January meeting, following a public comment period.
In May 2014, The Business Council Board of Directors voted unanimous support for career and technical education (CTE) pathways that preserve high educational standards aligned with industry need, and emphasize meeting labor market needs, particularly in STEM fields.
“The skills gap is an issue for our members and for businesses across the nation, particularly for ‘middle skills' positions in manufacturing and technology businesses,” said Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., president and CEO of The Business Council. “The Business Council supports the 4+1 design, and we commend the Board of Regents for recognizing the urgency in offering students robust, alternative pathways.”
The Board of Regents took a preliminary vote on Monday to introduce flexibility into high school graduation requirements, creating new options for students who excel in career and technical education, foreign languages and the arts.