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South Huntington presents 2024–25 Regents and AP results; district highlights AP gains and Algebra I concerns
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Summary
Assistant Superintendent Amanda Cavanaugh told the board that 253 students earned an Advanced Regents diploma in the class of 2025 and that 85.6% of AP test takers scored 3 or higher. She flagged a decline in Algebra I mastery after New York's 2024 test changes and outlined strategies to raise mastery scores.
WALT WHITMAN HIGH SCHOOL — Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Amanda Cavanaugh presented the district's 2024–25 Regents and Advanced Placement results and outlined follow-up plans to address gaps in mastery.
Cavanaugh said the district saw a positive trend in Advanced Regents diplomas, reporting that "up to 253 students in the class of 2025 earned that" designation and noting growth in the Seal of Biliteracy and consistency in the Seal of Civic Readiness.
On Regents exams, Cavanaugh highlighted strong passing rates in several science subjects and geometry, but said Algebra I showed a decline in mastery. She attributed the dip in Algebra I to a new 2024 test and said the trend was visible across Long Island and New York State: "There was a new test introduced in 2024 with new next gen standards. And so what we're seeing is an increase in rigor in the test, and certainly seeing that reflected in the test scores," she said.
Cavanaugh emphasized the district's focus on "mastery," defined by the district as a score of 85 percent or above on a Regents exam. "Mastery indicates that a student has received 85% or above on the exam," she said, adding that the district is using data teams, targeted lesson changes and professional development to raise mastery across grades and subjects.
On Advanced Placement, the district reported that 85.6 percent of AP test takers scored a 3 or higher on exams, a figure Cavanaugh said compares favorably to regional and national results. She said the district currently offers about 32–33 AP courses and is considering adding three more for the coming year.
Cavanaugh described the practical steps the district is taking with data: analyzing performance on specific questions and standards, using multiple assessment sources (3–8 tests, i‑Ready, Regents) to guide interventions, and placing students in academic intervention services when needed.
During questions, board member Miss Meyer asked whether Regents exams are offered in students' native languages for newcomers; Cavanaugh said they are, "All except for ELA. Okay. So they are able to take it in their native language." She also confirmed that students taking AP courses typically achieve mastery levels on Regents exams.
The board discussed next steps including continued data analysis, curriculum adjustments and targeted supports to raise mastery in Algebra I and other areas.
