This plan.
changed the requirements for graduation by raising the number of credits needed for.
graduation, raising the number of required core curriculum classes such as social.
studies, and introduced technology and computer science. The plan also introduced the.
Regents Minimum Competency Tests, which requires a student to pass tests in five.
major categories; math, science, reading, writing, and two areas of social studies.
Although the plan achieved many of its goals in raising standards of education in N.Y.
State, the general consensus is that we need to continue to improve our education.
system rather than being satisfied with the achievements we have made thus far.
Therefore, N.Y. adopted 'The New Compact for Learning'. This plan is based on the.
principles that all children can learn. The focus of education should be on results and.
teachers should aim for mastery, not minimum competency. Education should be.
provided for all children and authority with accountability should be given to educators.
and success should be rewarded with necessary changes being made to reduce failures.
This plan calls for curriculum to be devised in order to meet the needs of students so.
that they will be fully functional in society upon graduation, rather than just being able to.
graduate. Districts within the state have been given the authority to devise their own.
curriculum, but are held accountable by the state so that each district meets the states.
goals that have been established. Teachers are encouraged to challenge students to.
reach their full potential, rather than minimum competency. In this regard, tracking of.
students is being eliminated so that all students will be challenged, rather than just those.
who are gifted. Similarly, success should be rewarded with recognition and incentives to.
further encourage progress for districts, teachers and students while others who are not.
as accomplished are provided remedial training or resources in order to help them.
