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Pandemic Forces New York State ToCancel January 2021 Regents Exams

By Randy Gorbman

Published November 6, 2020 at 3:41 AM EST

NEW DELHI, INDIA - MARCH 13: An employee adjusts desks in an empty class room after schools were shut since India reported first Covid-19 death on March 13, 2020 in New Delhi, India. More than 10 states in India have shut schools since India reported first Covid-19 death on Thursday. The schools have been shut till the end of March but examinations will continue as per schedule in most states. On Friday, the Indian Health Minsitry said 81 people infected with the novel coronavirus are being treated at various facilities across the country. On Thursday, the local government in southern state of Karnataka confirmed first death due to Covid-19. A day earlier on Wednesday India cancelled most visas, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that none of his ministers will travel abroad in the upcoming days and asked people to ensure safety by avoiding large gatherings. (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)

ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - The New York State Education Department has announced that the January 2021 Regents exams are canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interim State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said that no decisions have been made regarding the June and August 2021 Regents or any of the other state assessment programs.

Board of Regents Vice Chancellor T. Andrew Brown, also a Rochester attorney, said, “Whether they are engaged in in-school, hybrid or remote learning, we are committed to ensuring each of New York’s students has access to the rigorous coursework necessary to prepare them for success this year and beyond. The cancellation of the January Regents Examinations will not impact that priority.”

Rosa said that state officials determined that the January Regents Exams could not be safely, equitably and fairly administered across the State given where the pandemic currently stands.

Due to the cancellation of the January 2021 Regents Examinations, the state will propose modifications to the assessment requirements that students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements.

You can get more info from the New York State Education Deptartment on their FAQ page.