News and Notes
| March 2022 |
| Dear Colleagues, Last week, the Board of Regents unanimously re-elected Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. and Josephine Victoria Finn to the posts of Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, respectively. I have had the privilege of working with each of these accomplished leaders for many years, and there is no one better suited for these roles. I look forward to our continued partnership with Chancellor Young and Vice Chancellor Finn as we work to advance equity in education and support our schools, libraries, and licensed professionals. Please join me in congratulating Chancellor Young and Vice Chancellor Finn! |
  Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. Vice Chancellor Josephine V. Finn |
| Earlier this month, Regents Susan W. Mittler and Ruth B. Turner were re-elected to the Board of Regents. We also welcomed Regent Shino Tanikawa of Manhattan, who was elected to the Board of Regents by the New York State Legislature. We are honored and excited to work with these esteemed colleagues and the entire Board of Regents to empower all young people to succeed and to create welcoming schools for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, housing status, sexual orientation, immigration status, ability to speak English, or disability status. Find more information about the appointments to the Board of Regents here. |
 Regent Susan W. Mittler Regent Ruth B. Turner |
| Sincerely, Betty A. RosaCommissioner |
| Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention ResourcesAvailable for Schools to Develop Policies to Help Students |
 Important guidance and resources are available to help schools develop vital policies to identify students in mental health crisis, intervene effectively, and prevent suicide risks for students.Pediatric mental health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recently declared pandemic-related decline in child and adolescent mental health a national emergency. The Guide for Suicide Prevention for School Personnel provides tools to help administrators, teachers, and school staff identify and react to students’ anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. |
| NYSED Proposes Regulations for the Substantial Equivalency of Instruction in Nonpublic Schools |
 The New York State Education Department (NYSED) proposed regulations regarding the statutory requirement for substantial equivalency of instruction for students attending nonpublic schools to ensure that all students receive the education to which they are entitled under the law. The Board of Regents discussed the proposed regulations at its March 2022 meeting. The presentation from the Board discussion is available here.The proposed rulemaking will be published in the State Register on March 30, 2022, and the public comment period will run through May 31, 2022. It is expected the final regulation will come before the Board of Regents for its consideration in fall 2022. |
| NYSED Launches the Performance Assessment Networks (PAN) Pilot |
 In support of the Graduation Measures initiative, the PAN Pilot is exploring the potential for New York’s educational assessment system to be reimagined in a way that purposefully fosters high-quality instructional opportunities, provides authentic measures of deeper learning, and better prepares students for college and the workplace. The PAN Pilot is funded through a philanthropic grant to the USNY Regents Research Fund from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Information on this pilot opportunity is available on the PAN Pilot website. To stay up to date on pilot activities, join the PAN Pilot listserv.Program staff members are now accepting nominations for the PAN Pilot Advisory Panel and its workgroups, which will advise program staff on the pilot design, including recommendations for an application process and selection criteria for participating schools, pilot regulations, professional learning experiences, and network design. Nominate yourself or a colleague to the PAN Pilot Advisory Panel and Workgroups using the nomination form on our website by March 31, 2022. Email pan.pilot@nysed.gov to submit questions for our FAQ. |
| New York State Teachers Honored With PrestigiousPresidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science |
 Two New York State educators received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST recognizes exemplary teaching and leadership in science and mathematics education and is one of the most prestigious honors in the nation for teachers. Recipients join an elite group of award-winning educators who have a profound and positive influence on state and national STEM teaching. The White House recently announced the awardees.The New York PAEMST awardees are Leslie Anson of Millbrook Central School District, and Lynda Brennan of Suffern Central School District. Congratulations! |
| Month of the Military Child |
 Military members and military-connected families make many sacrifices for the security and safety of our nation, specifically military-connected children during their K-12 careers. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child or Purple Up! For Military Kids. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role military children play while their service member parents serve our country through special events and wearing the color purple.Learn more and get ideas for celebrating on our Month of the Military Child web page. |
| Expanded Math Access Program |
| Congratulations to P.S. 144Q Col Jeromus Remsen School in Forest Hills, Queens for being ranked the #1 First In Math® School in New York State and the #8 First In Math® School in the U.S! The Expanded Math Access Program, a New York State initiative to improve and promote math fluency across NYS schools, provides First In Math® licenses for 1 million NYS students in grades K-5 at no cost to districts. Learn how your school can sign up. |
| SUNY Microcredentials for In-Demand Job Fields |
 Governor Hochul announced the expansion of SUNY microcredentials to provide more educational opportunities for adult learners and to help close the skills gap.Microcredentials are short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, know-how, and experience. Stackable microcredentials can also provide a pathway to a certificate or to an initial or advanced degree. A microcredential can add value to your resume, online profile, and college application when looking for a new job, pursuing a promotion, or applying to a college program. Here’s how to make the most of microcredentials. |
| New York Project Hope |
 In response to the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, NY Project Hope is available to all NYS residents in need of mental or emotional support. The program offers free online services such as:an emotional support helpline staffed with trained counselors;virtual wellness groups;local crisis counseling available in several NYS counties; andvarious digital resources for both adults and children. Learn about the program and find access to these resources on the NY Project Hope website. |