The June 2006 Regents examination schedule was carefully constructed in an effort to minimize the number of instances in which a student might be expected to take two examinations required for a diploma on the same day. In particular, we have attempted to minimize such occurrences for students with disabilities, many of whom are allowed extended time for each test they take.

To address this concern, we have added an extra half-day of testing at the beginning of the examination period. The June 2006 Regents examination period will begin with an afternoon test session on Wednesday, June 14, and will end with a Rating Day on Friday, June 23. 

The decision to add an extra half-day to the Regents examination schedule was reached based on consultation with education stakeholders from across the State. We will carefully review the effect of this schedule on students and schools, as well as any feedback from the field, and will consider further changes for 2007 and beyond, as needed. 

Our primary consideration was making the schedule as conducive to student achievement as possible. We believe that the result is an examination schedule that is equitable for all students and minimizes conflicts for students with disabilities. 

Please note that an additional scheduling option is available for any high school student whose IEP or 504 Plan requires extended time as a testing accommodation and who is scheduled to take an RCT on the same day as another State examination.

To address such concerns, the school may consider rescheduling an RCT to the next available school day during the same test administration period on which this student has no other State examinations scheduled. This option is not permitted for Regents examinations. The administration of all Regents examinations must occur on the date indicated on the official schedule distributed by the Office of State Assessment.  

Please refer to the memorandum A New Scheduling Option Available to Schools Administering State Examinations to High School Students with Disabilities - Effective January 2004 for detailed instructions that schools must strictly observe to reschedule an RCT to the next available school day. This memorandum may be accessed at:

http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/rct1003.htm

c: Jean C. Stevens