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October 19, 2022

Dear Parents and Families,

I hope you are enjoying fall! Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education approved NYSED’s plan to restart the federally required accountability system for the 2022-23 school year based upon 2021-22 school year results. The accountability plan addresses disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and modifies accountability indicators and processes to best support New York’s schools.

Comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted through December 19, 2022, and may be emailed to REGCOMMENTS@nysed.gov.

 

In celebration of New York State History Month, the New York State Museum is promoting the education and appreciation of New York State’s rich and complex history. In addition to hosting in-person events throughout October, the Museum has created a dedicated New York State History Month web page with many resources to explore, including the podcast “A New York Minute in History,” a special “This Day in NY History” feature, educator guides, a list of events happening statewide, and much more. I encourage you to explore all of the resources that the Museum has to offer and learn about the fascinating history of our state!

 

October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (NYS ITS) is hosting its annual NYS K-12 Kids Safe Online Poster Contest. The contest provides the opportunity to encourage children to be safe on the internet and while using computers and mobile devices. This contest is open to all New York State students and the entry deadline is December 16, 2022. More information may be accessed on the contest website.

 

NYSED also has partnered with NYS ITS to gather information from stakeholders regarding the use of biometric technology in schools and other educational settings. On Thursday, October 20, NYS ITS will hold a virtual public hearing examining the use of biometric identifying technology in schools. The meeting will be held online at 5:30 PM via Webex. During the hearing, NYS ITS staff will provide a brief overview of the topic, and members of the public are invited to testify for up to three minutes. For more information and additional ways to participate, read the full meeting notice. The survey on the use of biometric identifying technology in education will be open until October 28, 2022.

 

Finally, NYSED is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month to honor businesses that do an outstanding job of employing individuals with disabilities. Throughout October, NYSED's Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services, along with several partner organizations, is hosting virtual events across the state to recognize individuals with disabilities, the diversity they bring to the workforce, and the businesses that hire them. The businesses being honored this month set the standard for prioritizing a diverse workforce, and we are grateful for their commitment to bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to the workplace.

 

I appreciate everything you do for your children, schools, and communities. Thank you for your continued support.


Sincerely,

 

Betty A. Rosa

Commissioner

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