Establishes a geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents prep course for New York school districts

BILL NUMBER:S3221A

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing a geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents prep course for New York school districts that have less than sixty-five percent of their students passing the geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents

Purpose

The proposed legislation will establish a geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents prep course to prepare students for the mathematics regents by reviewing previous regents exams and materials to be utilized by schools with an average of less than sixty-percent of its students passing their geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents exam.

Summary of specific provision

Amends the education law by adding a new section 817 with, essentially 3 new provisions:

1. Along with the cooperation of the board of regents, the commissioner will be authorized and directed to establish and develop a program for the preparation of the geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents examination.

2. The program can be instituted by any school district that wants to provide those students that fall within sixty-fix percentile an opportunity to achieve a passing grade on the geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents exam.

3. The board of regents will establish criteria to be used by school districts that participate in the program, including the review and testing of students on previous geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents examination materials.

Justification

Each year there are an increasing number of high school students that do not graduate from high school. The mathematics geometry and algebra II/trigonometry regents examination for high school students is one of five major regents examinations required of high school students to obtain a general high school diploma. There are over twenty counties that have an average less than sixty-five percent of their students passing the regents geometry and algebra II/trigonometry examination. These students should have a fair chance and be thoroughly prepared for necessary examinations needed to graduate.

Prior legislative history

2011-12: S.1153A/A.4080A - Referred to Education 2009-10: S.2544/A.8142 - Referred to Education 2008-09: S.7278

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect September 1, 2016, Provided, however, that any rules or regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act shall be promulgated on or before such date.