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Re: NYS Physics Regents exam



William Dodd wrote:

Does any one know what is happening with the NYS Regents Physics exam?

========= From the NY Times web site (3 July 2002) ========

After Complaints, New York State Schedules Repeat of Regents Physics
Exam
By JENNIFER MEDINA


After receiving complaints from across the state that the Physics
Regents exam was unusually difficult, the New York State Education
Department announced yesterday that it would give any students who
wished to another chance to take the test in August.

Statewide, the proportion of students who failed the exam tripled this
year, to 33 percent from 11 percent. Only 16 percent this year scored
between 85 and 100, compared with 33 percent last year. About 40,000
students statewide took the exam in June.

Many of those who voiced complaints last month said that the state's
decision fell short of giving students a fair shake. The only just
solution, they say, would have been to adjust the scoring scale,
allowing more students to pass the exam, which is required for the
coveted Regent's diploma.

The exam was changed this year with stronger focus on the practical
application of physics, said Roseanne DeFabio, assistant commissioner of
curriculum, instruction and assessment for the state. But school
officials said most teachers were not given enough information about the
changes.

"This is basically an admission that there was a mistake, but the state
is saying that the schools and the kids have to take responsibility,"
said Dr. William H. Johnson, president of the New York State Council of
Superintendents.

State officials determined that the test and scoring methods were fair,
Ms. DeFabio said, but because of the sharp increase in the number of
students who failed the exam, the state decided to offer it again on
Aug. 12. Regents exams in English, math and other subjects now required
for high school graduation are always available for second chances in
August. Physics was not going to be offered, but now it will be. This is
the first time such a change has been made.

The state plans to notify school district superintendents about the new
exam date this week and expects them to pass on the information to
schools and students.

Dr. Johnson and other administrators said that it could be nearly
impossible to find teachers for summer school physics courses for those
students who need extra preparation, because many are on vacation.

The state will distribute a videotaped review program and will
recommend Web sites and other materials for physics teachers to send to
students, Ms. DeFabio said.

Students who are unable to take the exam on Aug. 12 will have to wait
until January if they want to take it again.