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World Languages

World Languages

Graduation Requirements

Regents Diploma Requirement: Students shall earn at least one (1) unit of credit in a world language other than English in order to complete the world language other than English requirement for the Regents diploma (8 NYCRR § 100.5[b][7][iv][g]). Students identified as having a disability may be excused from the one unit of credit in world languages, if so indicated on their Individual Education Program (IEP), but must still earn 22 units of credit to graduate.

Most commonly, this one (1) credit is earned by successfully completing a course sequence (2 units of study) in a world language in middle school and passing the locally developed Checkpoint A examination in that language (8 NYCRR § 100.2[d][5]).  Other means by which this credit can be earned include:

  • Successful completion of a bilingual education program in any grade 8-12;
  • Passing a yearlong high school world language course at least aligned to Checkpoint A (8 NYCRR § 100.1[b]);
  • Transfer credit for work done at other educational and cultural institutions (8 NYCRR § 100.5[d][5]);
  • Online and blended courses (8 NYCRR § 100.5[d][10]); and
  • Documented school attendance and residence in an “other than English-speaking" environment.

Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation Requirement: Students choosing a world language sequence to meet the Advanced Designation requirements shall earn two additional units in a world language other than English for a total of three (3) units in the same  and pass the locally developed Comprehensive examination in that language which is aligned to the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages (8 NYCRR § 100.5[b][7][v][c]).  Students identified as having a disability may be excused from the world language credit requirement, if so indicated on their Individual Education Program (IEP), but must still earn 22 units of credit to graduate. 

 

World Language FAQ - This document defines the three Checkpoints and a unit of study, as well as identifies the various pathways to the Regents Diploma and the Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.  The FAQ also lists commonly asked questions and answers on the following topics:

  1. Instruction
  2. Graduation Requirements
  3. Students with Disabilities
  4. Middle School Programs
  5. Courses of Study
  6. Transfer Students
  7. Credit by Examination
  8. Locally Developed Examinations
  9. 4+1 Pathway to Graduation
  10. Special Situations