News and Notes
April 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Betty A. Rosa
This week, the Board of Regents launched an initiative to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools across the state. As the first step in the initiative, the Board released a draft framework and call to action for all schools in New York State to develop policies that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion as a priority in their schools. The framework recognizes there is no single, isolated answer that will solve society's pervasive problems; rather, the approach must be holistic and inclusive – and the Board of Regents, the New York State Education Department (NYSED), and New York’s schools will be an integral part of the solution.

The Board’s initiative comes during a pivotal moment in our nation when the country is facing its long history of racism and bigotry and the corrosive impact they have had. Recently, Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., the Board of Regents, and I expressed our deep concern about recent acts of violence in New York and across the nation. The Board of Regents and NYSED condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these abhorrent acts of bigotry, xenophobia, and racism. Most recently, we have seen a spike in hateful rhetoric, violence, and even murder directed at Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Throughout America’s history, people thought to be different or somehow “not quite American” have been subjected to discrimination, bias, vile rhetoric, and violence. We cannot continue to let history repeat itself.

As the state’s education officials, we strongly urge all educators to help students understand the harm caused by racism and bigotry. The dangers are mounting, and we must all do more. It is vital that New York’s schools take the lead in helping their students look critically at the most recent incidents and at all hate-based violence they see around them and understand their role and responsibility as change agents.

The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated long-standing problems - including inequity, racism, and bigotry - that exist throughout every facet of our society. Schools can take steps that will advance a greater understanding and respect for all people by creating learning communities that are more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. When it comes to creating a more equitable education system for all New Yorkers, I’m confident our educators and school leaders will answer this week's call to action and set the tone for sustainable change.

Below, you can find details on other announcements and resources from NYSED:

  • Statement from Chancellor Young and Commissioner Rosa on USDE Denial of Assessment Waiver Request
  • Statement from Chancellor Young and Commissioner Rosa on the Enacted State Budget
  • Implementation Extension of the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards
  • NYSED, NYSUT Applaud 60 Teachers Who Achieved ‘Gold Standard’ National Certification
  • NYSED Announces 2021 Essential Elements: Schools to Watch
  • Board of Regents Recognizes Two Students Receiving Vice Chancellor Emerita Adelaide L. Sanford Scholarships
  • Three New York High School Seniors Win $40,000 College Board Opportunity Scholarships
  • NYSED Proposes Revisions to Perkins V Plan to Address COVID Related Impact on Career and Technical Education
  • Seal of Civic Readiness Pilot Program
  • Month of the Military Child
  • SUNY Application Weeks
  • NY State of Health
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

Sincerely,

Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
Statement from Chancellor Young and Commissioner Rosa on
USDE Denial of Assessment Waiver Request
Earlier this year, NYSED submitted two federal waiver requests related to state assessment and accountability requirements. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) chose not to approve New York’s waiver request to forego state assessments this year. In the face of a worldwide pandemic, we believe cancelling state assessments would be the most appropriate and fair thing to do in the best interest of our students, and we are deeply disappointed in USDE’s decision.

We are providing as much flexibility as possible for schools to administer assessments within USDE requirements. Please read our full statement for more information about why we believe that “standardizing” this year’s assessments is unrealistic; the specific assessments that will be administered; the results of our survey on schools’ local assessment strategies; and the uncoupling of state assessments from ESSA accountability requirements. We remain committed to the physical and mental health, safety, and well-being of the children and adults in our schools.
Statement from Chancellor Young and Commissioner Rosa on the Enacted State Budget
The recently enacted New York State budget includes $29.5 billion in State funding to school districts for the 2021-22 school year, with approximately 75 percent of this increase targeted to high-need school districts. Achieving equity in education has long been the top priority of the Board of Regents and NYSED – and we are grateful that our legislative leaders have made it a priority, as well.

We have also long advocated for fully funding the Foundation Aid formula, and we laud the Legislature and Governor for committing to fully funding the formula within three years. We are also delighted that several of the Regents priorities are being addressed in this budget. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, children across New York are at an even greater disadvantage, and these funds are needed now more than ever.

We continue to review the details of the enacted budget. We thank the Governor, Assembly Speaker Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for advancing several other significant initiatives to better serve New York’s children and adults.

Implementation Extension of the NYS Next Generation
Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and
 NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards
Implementation Timelines Extended
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, implementation timelines for the Next Generation Learning Standards in ELA and Mathematics and the NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards have been updated to allow one additional year for professional learning and curriculum development prior to implementation.

NYSED, NYSUT Applaud 60 Teachers Who
Achieved ‘Gold Standard’ National Certification
Congratulations to New York State's 60 New National Board Certified Teachers!
This week, NYSED and the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) congratulated 60 teachers from across the state who have achieved national certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, the “gold standard” in the education profession.

NYSED Announces 2021 Essential Elements: Schools to Watch
2021 Essential Elements: Schools to Watch
NYSED recently recognized 16 schools that were re-designated as 2021 Essential Elements: Schools to Watch, including five that were designated for a fifth time in the past 15 years. The designation is awarded to exceptional middle-level schools that meet rigorous criteria and are on a path of continuous improvement.

This honor is designed to promote and guide the school improvement process, as well as highlight characteristics of high performing middle grade schools. Congratulations to the honorees!
Board of Regents Recognizes Two Students Receiving
Vice Chancellor Emerita Adelaide L. Sanford Scholarships
The Board of Regents recognized two outstanding New York State students receiving Vice Chancellor Emerita Adelaide L. Sanford Scholarships at the Board’s April meeting. The scholarship is named for Dr. Adelaide L. Sanford, the first African American, as well as the first woman, to serve as Vice Chancellor of the Board of Regents. Through Dr. Sanford’s generosity, it is awarded annually to exceptional My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellows and graduating high school seniors from a NYSED-recognized MBK community. This year’s recipients are Giovanni Almonte of Yonkers City School District and Kenedi Catoe of Greenburgh Central School District.

Dr. Sanford is the former Vice Chancellor of the Board of Regents and served on the Board for more than 20 years. She is also Honorary Co-Chair of the Work Group to Improve Outcomes for Boys and Young Men of Color, in recognition of her unwavering leadership and ongoing meaningful contributions to this effort.
Kenedi Catoe
Kenedi Catoe
Giovanni Almonte
Giovanni Almonte
Three New York High School Seniors Win
$40,000 College Board Opportunity Scholarships
Three New York State students are among this year’s recipients of $40,000 scholarships through College Board’s Complete Your Journey Opportunity Scholarship program. The three New York City seniors are among 25 students in the class of 2021 from across the country to earn a total of $1 million toward their education by completing the steps in the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program—steps that help them plan, prepare, and pay for college. The students were recently surprised during an emotional announcement on Good Morning America.
NYSED Proposes Revisions to Perkins V Plan to Address
COVID Related Impact on Career and Technical Education
Proposed revisions to NYS Perkins V Plan
NYSED recently proposed revisions to the State’s Perkins V Plan to address circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While all aspects of school operations have been affected by the pandemic, career and technical education programs face unique barriers to delivering all components of their programs including access to hands-on training and work-based learning opportunities.

The proposed revisions can be found on the Office of Career and Technical Education’s website.
Seal of Civic Readiness Pilot Program
NYSED is now accepting applications from all high schools interested in piloting the Seal of Civic Readiness during the 2021-2022 school year. Applications will be accepted until May 1st. Interested high schools should review all information and materials provided on our Civic Readiness page and then begin the application process.
 
Questions related to this can be directed to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction via email to emscurric@nysed.gov or via telephone to (518) 474-5922. 
Month of the Military Child
Purple Up for military kids
Military members and military-connected families make many sacrifices for the security and safety of our nation, specifically military-connected children during their K-12 careers. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child or Purple Up! For Military Kids. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role military children play while their service member parents serve our country through special events and wearing the color purple. Learn more and get ideas for celebrating on our Month of the Military Child web page.
SUNY Application Weeks
SUNY's ​'Big Dreams, Small Step' campaign provides support, resources, and guidance to help students navigate the college admissions process, including designated Application Weeks featuring individual appointments and personal support on the SUNY application. Given the success of the Application Weeks earlier this year, SUNY is extending the program into May and June with the following dates:

  • May 10-14, 2021
  • June 7-11, 2021

Please visit the SUNY website to learn more.
NY State of Health
The American Rescue Plan was signed into law on March 11, 2021. It includes new and larger financial assistance for New Yorkers enrolling in health insurance through NY State of Health. Through the American Rescue Plan, eligible enrollees will soon be able to receive an increase in tax credits to lower their health insurance costs, and those who have higher incomes may be eligible for the first time.

Please share the following information with families in your community:

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org provides a guide to scholarships and financial aid for students with disabilities. The scholarships and financial aid opportunities are offered by private companies, organizations, schools and more, and the guide provides explanations about how each type of aid works. Explore the list of scholarships and financial aid for students with disabilities here.