New York State Learning Standards Review Initiative

In March 2008, the Board of Regents announced that it will review New York’s Learning Standards, beginning with the standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Read more about the ELA/ESL standards review and upcoming dates for the public forums. If you are attending one of the public forums, you may wish to review the following:

• Standards Review Working Principles Word | HTML
• Small Group Assignment Form Word | HTML
• New York State English Language Arts Learning Standards and the English Language Arts English Language Arts Core Curriculum (2005)
• The Teaching of Language Arts to Limited Proficient/English Language Learners: Learning Standards for English as a Second Language

The Regents adopted the current standards in 1996. They cover the major subjects including the following:

• English Language Arts
• mathematics, science, and technology
• social studies
• the arts
• languages other than English
• career development and occupational studies
• health, physical education and family consumer sciences

In conducting their review of the standards, the Regents will seek recommendations from teachers, school administrators, members of the higher education community, business and community leaders, parents, and other state and national experts in each of the content areas. They will also organize focus groups throughout the State that will be open to the public.

In reviewing the English standards, the Regents will pay particular attention to the standards for early childhood, from birth to age five.

The standards are critically important. They determine the curriculum content and State assessments, including grade 3-8 tests and the Regents Exams. The standards represent the core of what all students should know, understand and be able to demonstrate. Meeting the standards should ensure that students are prepared for college, work and citizenship.

To conduct the necessary work, Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett has appointed Regent Saul B. Cohen, President Emeritus of Queens College, as Chair of the Regents Steering Committee for Standards Review. Dr. Walter Sullivan, former school superintendent and currently Director of the Center for Educational Policy and Practice, is Coordinator of the standards review.

Timeline for the review of New York State's Learning Standards.

The standards review will be supported by State Education Department leadership and curriculum specialists, as well as by national educational advisory organizations.

Steering Committee Members

Office of Standards Review  

• Coordinates the Standards Review Initiative.
• Organizes and oversees regular and direct contact, communication, and dialogue with a diverse group of teachers, administrators, business representatives, and professional groups to ensure that all New York State education and workforce entities have input into the review of the Learning Standards.
• Leads and manages a statewide initiative of professional development for teachers and administrators on the revised Learning Standards.
• Administers the Regents Learning Standards Review Initiative of educators, professionals and researchers to provide the Commissioner and the Regents with policy advice and expertise on this ongoing comprehensive effort.

Contact Information

Kathleen Clarity
kclarity@mail.nysed.gov
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue, Room 319
Albany, New York 12234
518-474-8892
Fax: 518-474-0319

The New York State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race, gender, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities.  Inquiries concerning this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to:

New York State Education Department
Office of Diversity, Ethics, and Access
Education Building, Room 152
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234