On October 5th, 2017, the New York State Education Department’s 180-Day Advisory Committee held a regional meeting at Western Suffolk BOCES. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Jhone Ebert, the objective was to provide recommendations to modernize and clarify concerns regarding the 180-Day Session Requirement. Council of Administrators and Supervisors Executive Vice-President, John Nocero and Treasurer, James Kassebaum were joined by Elwood Administrators President, Dr. Denise Toscano, to share the concerns of our members regarding the lack of flexibility in current regulations. The information gathered focused on the challenge of meeting the 25 hour (Elementary) and 27.5 hour (Secondary) weekly requirements given testing and scoring schedules, added religious observances, and necessary Superintendent’s Conference Days. These concerns mirror those of other constituent groups present including superintendents, teachers, and parents. Based on the input from this meeting and other meetings held throughout the state, Deputy Commissioner Ebert and her committee will present their findings and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Education. Final amendments to the existing regulations will be presented to the Board of Regents in December with implementation to take place in the 2018-19 school year.
CAS will continue to provide you with any updates and policy changes as they become available. If you would like to provide additional input, please complete the 180 Day Questionnaire and return it to 180days@nysed.gov .
