State to make changes in high school diplomas

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Chances are, if you went to high school in New York state, you got one of three kinds of a diploma: a Regents, a Regents Advanced or a local diploma.

The state Department of Education is about to change that, to go from three to one diploma.

One of the state's top education officials - on a stop over at Indian River Central School Wednesday night - said the three diploma system was simply too confusing.

"Early on the feds said to us, 'could you tell us what's your diploma? Because you are calling it A, B, C, D, E, F, and G," said Betty Rosa, state Commissioner of Education."

Rosa believes the current format is not helping students succeed.

"In many ways we disadvantage our own students. In terms of looking at course work and looking at a deeper type of learning," she said.

The state believes the one diploma format will create equity with students and open more doors for those who struggle with test-taking abilities. The biggest change? The already announced plans to drop Regents examinations as a requirement for graduation. Under the new system, students will be able to do projects or get credit for work experience.

"When I got home from the Board of Regents meeting yesterday, and I told my 11-year old daughter Abby about this, she was jumping for joy. That's what this is about, kids are going to be better off with this," said Stephen Todd, Superintendent of Jeff-Lewis BOCES.

The new format will be phased in over the next couple years until it is fully implemented in the fall of 2029.

Jefferson-Lewis BOCES District Superintendent Stephen Todd says he quickly told his daughter the news.

The first phase is expected to begin next school year, which will offer one diploma under the current credit requirements.