raise the standards of education. 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 .