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District explains Major Life Event exemptions under NY guidance
Summary
Dr. Whitney Rivera outlined the district’s major life event (MLA) exemption process, saying exemptions may be granted when qualifying events prevent a student from taking or accurately demonstrating knowledge on a required assessment and noting that approved exemptions leave no explanatory notation on official transcripts.
Dr. Whitney Rivera explained the Major Life Event (MLA) exemption process adopted following the Board of Regents’ acceptance of Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations in November 2023. Rivera said emergency regulations allow schools to grant exemptions from required diploma assessments when a student experiences a qualifying major life event prior to an exam or assessment alternative.
Rivera said the district established a districtwide MLA committee that includes assistant principals for pupil personnel services, school counselors, school psychologists or social workers, the director of guidance and the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Each case is reviewed individually, with documentation, anecdotal summaries and input from the school council. Rivera emphasized that approved exemptions do not replace successful completion of course requirements and that an approved exemption is shown on the student transcript by the letter "E" without explanatory detail, preserving confidentiality.
She listed examples of qualifying events such as cancer treatment, hospitalization, a serious injury from an accident, a disruptive house fire, the death of a parent or person in parental relation, homelessness, or trauma related to deportation or detainment. Rivera said the committee determines whether the student meets New York State criteria and that families must sign required documentation before an exemption is applied.
