Report of Regents Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) Committee to The Board of Regents

Your Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) Committee held a meeting on October 7, 2019.  All members were present, except for Regent Norwood, who was excused.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Update on Pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma – The Committee was provided with an update on the four pathways to a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma in New York State. The primary pathway to an HSE Diploma is by taking and passing the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC™) exam which was adopted in 2014.  In addition to the TASC™, there are three other pathways to achieve an HSE diploma:  24 College Credits – obtained via college credit earned; National External Diploma Program – enables local Board of Education to award a local HSE diploma based on an experimental program approved by the Commissioner; and, The Regents-HSE Exam – the option to substitute passing scores from prior Regents exams, or any other exam approved by the Commissioner, for corresponding TASC™ subtests.  Data was presented showing the number of HSE diplomas awarded using each of the four pathways and a combined total of pathways by test year.

2020-21 Non-State Aid Budget and Legislative Priorities – The Committee was provided with an update on the 2020-21 potential Non-State Aid budget and legislative priorities for ACCES.  The proposed priorities include: Enhancing supports and services for postsecondary success of students with disabilities; Bridge to college and careers pilot program; and, Expansion of the reader’s aid program.