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Candidates back a ‘no-harm’ approach to Regents; AP course offerings debated
Summary
Both candidates expressed support for policies that avoid penalizing students for low Regents scores; they also discussed recent AP class enrollment and the factors that determine whether AP sections run.
Both candidates told attendees they support protections so statewide Regents exam scores do not unduly harm students’ local grades. Timothy Sasson said the district should adopt a “no harm” policy on Regents scores because test-taking ability and yearly test differences can skew results and put students at a disadvantage compared with other districts. Dr. Michelle Rivers said she also supports a no-harm approach and noted New York State is "revamping the portrait of the graduate" and that Regents exams are expected to change by 2027.
On Advanced Placement courses, Sasson said courses can be canceled when enrollment is too low and described recent changes as tied to student signups rather than a policy choice. "If there was one missing this year, it's because of lack of enrollment," he said, adding the district sometimes provides resources so interested students can still take exams. Rivers said she would seek plans from the superintendent to ensure students have access to rigorous coursework while also addressing proficiency gaps in earlier grades.
The forum did not produce district decisions on either testing policy or AP course scheduling. Candidates’ remarks indicate support for policies that shield students from punitive grade impacts when statewide exams vary and for monitoring AP enrollments and access.
