Exemptions from Diploma Assessment Requirements for Major Life Events
NYSED has introduced Major Life Event Exemption for Regents and other state diploma assessments.
This exemption acknowledges that students may encounter unexpected and significant life events – such as illness, a severe medical condition, or the loss of a family member that significantly impacts or prevents a student’s participation in a required diploma assessment. In such cases, students may be eligible to request an exemption from these assessments, while still earning credit and remaining on track for graduation.
To qualify for this exemption, the following criteria must be met:
· The student must be enrolled in the course or make-up program aligned with the diploma assessment.
· The student must have met or exceeded the learning outcomes for the course.
· A documented major life event must have significantly impacted the student’s ability to participate in the required assessment
Please note that this exemption applies only to NYSED diploma assessments (i.e., Regents, FLACS). It does not apply to the AP Exams or other assessments administered by outside organizations.
A request for exemption may be initiated by a parent/guardian, the student, or a school staff member. If you believe your child may qualify for this exemption due to a recent life event, please contact your child’s school counselor to discuss the next steps. Each request will be reviewed carefully by a school-based committee to determine eligibility on the documentation provided.
If you have any questions about how this may apply to your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor, the Director of Careers and Student Services, and/or the building principal.
Process:
To begin the process please complete the form linked below and return it to the student’s School Counselor along with a description of the major life event and its impact on assessment participation. From there, additional administrators will review before being presented to the Superintendent of Schools who has the authority to make the final determination to award or deny the exemption.