Teachers Claim ‘Serious Problems’ with New York Regents Exam

A large teacher's union is raising concerns after they say they received "widespread reports" of problems with recent Regents exams.

Citing what they claim are serious issues with questions for tests in two specific subjects, representatives are now calling for action to avoid what they characterized as a major misstep by the New York State Education Department.

New York Teacher's Union Alleges Problems with Regents Exams

The Regents are standardized statewide tests given to students in many subjects including Global History, English Language Arts, Geometry, and Algebra. Complaints from the New York State United Teachers union, however, focused on a different subject.

"Serious Problems" with Biology and Earth Science Regents Exams

The NYSUT shared a statement highlighting what they called "serious problems" with test questions in both the Biology and Earth Science Regents exams, stating that many questions on the test veered from the standard curriculum:

We heard many reports from our members that this year's Biology and Earth Science exams contained topics and questions with unforeseen, off-curriculum material. When tests don't align with these standards, it creates confusion, undermines confidence, and is unfair to students and educators alike

NYSUT Claims "Off-Curriculum" Material on New York Regents Exams

Anecdotal reports from union members stated that many students were unable to finish the exams in the allotted time due to the off-topic subject matter. The NYSUT is now asking for more teachers to share their stories about the recent tests.

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New York State educators who had students take either the Biology or Earth Science Regents exams (or students who took the exams themselves) are asked to provide feedback HERE.