April 2001

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, SECONDARY AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
ALBANY, NY 12234

Mathematics

GENERAL

  1. What is the instructional time requirement for mathematics?

In grades K-6, there is no specific time requirement. For grades 7 and 8, the time requirement is two units of study. A unit of study is defined as an average of 180 minutes per week. For grades 9-12, students need to earn units of credit to receive a diploma. A unit of credit is earned by completing a unit of study and achieving a passing grade in a course.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

  1. May accelerated students take the grade 8 mathematics test in grade 7?

Starting in spring 2001, accelerated seventh grade students may take the intermediate assessment that is given in grade 8. Specific details on the reporting of accelerated students’ scores will be sent to schools.

  1. May students in grades 7 and 8 receive high school credits using the new Mathematics A Regents Examination (Math A) and Mathematics B Regents Examination (Math B)?

Yes. Credits awarded will continue to be a combination of seat time (i.e., units of study) and examinations. Assuming that a student has achieved a passing grade for the course or courses, credits will be awarded when the appropriate Regents examinations are passed. Specific criteria are listed below.

  1. What are the specific requirements and high school credits for acceleration in Math A starting in grade 7?

Students starting acceleration at the beginning of grade 7 who passed required courses and subsequently pass Math A in:

    • January of grade 8: one and one-half high school credits.
    • June or August of grade 8: one high school credit.
  1. What are the specific requirements and high school credits earned for students starting acceleration in grade 8?

Students starting acceleration at the beginning of grade 8 who passed the course and subsequently passed Math A in:

    • June or August of grade 8: one high school credit.
    • January of grade 9: one and one-half high school credits.
    • June or August of grade 9: one high school credit; no high school credit for grade 8 unless students also pass Math B by June of grade 10, at which time they would be awarded three high school credits -- one credit for grade 8, one credit for grade 9, and one credit for grade 10.
  1. What are the requirements and high school credits for acceleration in Math B for grades 7 and 8?

As with Math A, high school credit for Math B is determined by a combination of seat time and examination. Students who have passing grades for all courses and passed Math A and Math B by June of grade 8 will receive two high school credits.

Students who have passing grades for all courses, passed Math A in January of grade 8, continue further acceleration in grade 8, and subsequently pass Math B in June of grade 9, will receive three high school credits -- two credits for grades 7 and 8 and one credit for high school.

  1. What provisions are there for a student in an accelerated program who might need to postpone the taking of the Regents examination?

The principal may permit individual students with extenuating circumstances, such as illness, to postpone taking the Regents examination if they continue in the accelerated program. A similar provision would be used for all students if the school were closed during the Regents examination administration.

  1. May alternative assessments for Math A or Math B be given?

Yes. Any State-approved alternative assessment for Math A or Math B may be used. (See "Commencement Level Question listed below, "What examinations could be used instead of Math A and B?")

COMMENCEMENT LEVEL

  1. What are the new instructional and time requirements in mathematics for graduation?

Students first entering grade 9 in September 2001 and thereafter have to earn a minimum of three units of credit in mathematics. A unit of credit is earned by completing a unit of study with a passing grade. Students must also pass Math A or Math B Regents examinations to obtain the required Regents diploma. A few accelerated students may have fulfilled the testing requirement by passing two of the Course 1, 2 and 3 Regents examinations, while offered.

In order to graduate with a Regents diploma with advanced designation, students must pass both mathematics Regents examinations -- Math A and Math B. A few accelerated students may have fulfilled the testing requirement by passing all three of the Course 1, 2 and 3 Regents examinations, or both Math A and Course 3 Regents examinations.

  1. Are sequences still required in mathematics? If so, what constitutes a Regents mathematics sequence?

Yes. Sequences are still needed for students entering grade 9 in September 2000 or earlier. For these students, a Regents mathematics sequence requires 65+ score on the following Regents examinations:

  • Courses 1, 2 and 3, or
  • Math A and Course 3, or
  • Math A and Math B.
    •
    1. When do students have to take the Math A Regents examination?

    Students must take Math A when the Course 1 Regents examination is no longer offered. The last Course 1 Regents examination is January 2002, and the last Course 2 Regents examination is January 2003. For examination purposes, Math A is the same as both Courses 1 and 2.

    1. When will the Math B Regents examination replace the Course 3 Regents examination?

    Students must take Math B when the Course 3 Regents examination is no longer offered. The last Course 3 Regents exam is tentatively scheduled for January 2004. That date will be finalized when the first Math B Regents exam is offered in June 2001. For examination purposes, Math B is the same as Course 3.

     
    1. What examinations could be used instead of Math A and Math B?

    The State Assessment Panel will continue to review examinations that meet the criteria established by the Commissioner. At present, it has approved mathematics examinations from the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and the College Board. Specific cut-off scores are set to reflect the appropriate standards

    1. Are mathematics sequences needed after 2001 when three years of mathematics is required for everyone?

    Starting with students entering grade 9 in September 2001, there is no mathematics sequence requirement. All students must earn three units of credit in mathematics. A unit of credit is earned by completing a unit of study with a passing grade.

    1. Will there still be Regents Competency Tests (RCTs) in mathematics in the future and for how long?

    Yes. The safety net provision for special education students permits classified students who first enter grade 9 in September of 1997, 1998,1999 and 2000 to use the passing of the Regents Competency Test (RCT) in mathematics for a local diploma. This safety net provision will stay in place for those students while they are in school or until they reach age 21.

    1. Will classified students who use the safety net provision be exempted from taking the math Regents examination?

    No. Classified students must take Regents examinations and appropriate mathematics courses to prepare them to take these examinations. Using the passing of the RCT to fulfill the testing requirement for a local diploma will only be valid if a classified student fails the Regents exam.

    1. Do classified students have to fail a Regents examination before they take the RCT?

    No. Classified students may take the RCT at any time.

    1. When are the last variance exams?

    There are no longer any variance examinations approved by the Department as substitutes for Courses 1 and 2. Variance examinations for Course 3 will end in January 2002.

    1. Do variance programs still go through the variance process?

    Variance approval for programs leading to the Math A or B Regents Examination does not need to go through the State Education Department variance approval process. Schools are free to use whatever mathematics program they desire as long as the students are prepared for the State assessments.