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Connetquot superintendent announces 'hold harmless' for Earth and Space Science regents after lower scores; district posts review option
Summary
After parent and teacher feedback about the June Earth and Space Science Regents, Connetquot will apply a 'hold harmless' policy so the exam affects students' course grades only if it benefits them; the district also reported passing and mastery percentages for June math regents.
The Connetquot Central School District announced it will apply a “hold harmless” approach for the June Earth and Space Science Regents after teachers, administrators and parents raised concerns about the exam.
Superintendent Dr. Sinemore said teacher feedback and statewide discussions showed a decline in results on the exam and that, with unanimous support from teachers, building and departmental administrators and the curriculum office, the district will allow the exam to factor into a student’s course grade only if it benefits that student. “If it doesn’t benefit them...it wouldn’t hurt their overall...course grade,” Dr. Sinemore said. The district plans to notify affected families promptly and offer students the opportunity to retake the exam.
The superintendent also reported June 2025 Regents results for math courses: district-wide passing rates (65 or better) were 95% for Algebra I, 83% for Geometry (a rise of about 9–10 percentage points) and 91% for Algebra II (a slight decline from 94% the prior year). Mastery rates (85 or better) were 54% for Algebra I and 19% for both Geometry and Algebra II. District leaders invited families to review regents exams with curriculum directors over the summer and said directors are available to meet with students and families.
Trustees and staff said they will share comparisons with prior years and pursue instructional strategies to raise mastery where needed.
