Regents' board may cut social studies exams

June 21, 2010 by JOHN HILDEBRAND / john.hildebrand@newsday.com

Faced with a potential $11.5-million operating deficit, Regents board members Monday signaled their intent to eliminate state testing in fifth- and eighth-grade social studies, and possibly in other subjects as well.

The testing cuts - fiercely opposed by social studies teachers - will save an estimated $800,000 during the next school year, and will be coupled with other reductions. Foreign language tests for middle and high schools could be pared back as well, depending on the outcome of state budget negotiations under way in Albany.

Tests marked for elimination Monday cover state and American history, starting with the Colonial period, and are taken annually by 447,000 students. Albany will continue a Regents exam in 11th-grade American history, focusing on the Constitution and post-Civil War period.

Reductions were recommended by Education Commissioner David Steiner, and approved by nine Regents present for a school policy committee meeting. This virtually ensures passage Tuesday by the full 16-member board.

One committee member, Roger Tilles of Great Neck, who represents Long Island, said after Monday's vote that Regents were forced to make cuts due to dwindling state and federal financial support. In addition, costs have soared in recent years under federal rules requiring annual English and math tests in grades 3-8.

Tilles characterized as ironic the recent opposition to cuts by many school administrators and teachers who previously complained of over-testing.

"And now, those same people are calling us and saying, 'You've got to keep these tests,' " Tilles said.

Eighth-graders rank among the most tested students in the state, facing up to seven state exams each spring.

Social studies specialists say, however, that the state is shortsighted in singling out their tests for elimination. These specialists contend that an ongoing wave of immigration makes studies of American history and civics particularly important.

"I can't believe they [the Regents] did this!" said Gloria Sesso, social studies director in the Patchogue-Medford district. "If you're not tested, you're not taught." Sesso is co-president of the Long Island Council for the Social Studies, which opposes the cuts.