the new "4+1" pathway assessment option
Under the new “4+1” pathway assessment option students must take and pass four required Regents Exams or Department-approved alternative assessments (one in each of the following subjects: English, math, science, and social studies) and a comparably rigorous assessment for the fifth required exam to graduate. The fifth assessment required for graduation may include any one of the following assessments:
• Either an additional Regents assessment, or a Department approved alternative, in a different course in Social Studies or in English (Humanities Pathway); or
• One additional Regents Examination in a different course in mathematics or science or a Department-approved alternative (STEM Pathway); or
• A pathway assessment approved by the Commissioner in accordance with §100.2(f)(2) of the Commissioner’s regulations (which could include a Biliteracy [LOTE] Pathway); or
• A CTE pathway assessment, approved by the Commissioner in accordance with §100.2(mm), following successful completion of a CTE program approved pursuant to §100.5(d)(6) of the regulations (CTE Pathway); or
• An arts pathway assessment approved by the Commissioner in accordance with §100.2(mm) (Arts Pathway).
The 4+1 pathway option is effective beginning with students who first entered grade 9 in September 2011 and thereafter, or who are otherwise eligible to receive a high school diploma in June 2015 and thereafter.