NORWICH – With the changes to graduation requirements recently approved by the New York State Board of Regents, DCMO BOCES is declaring a victory for high school students embarking on college and careers.

The New York State Board of Regents last week approved a measure that will allow students more options when it comes time to take their Regents exams. Whereas students were previously required to take five specific regents exams, the “Multiple Pathways” initiative offers a “4+1” test model, giving students more leeway to choose the topic of their fifth Regents exam.

DCMO BOCES says this is good news for students enrolled in its career and technical education (CTE) programs and hope to pursue college and career options in vocational fields, as well as arts, humanities and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

“The biggest change in the Board of Regents’ decision is that students will be able to have their CTE course recognized as a major Regents exam,” explained Lee Shaver, Director of Career and Technology at DCMO BOCES. “I think this will have an impact to make it more socially acceptable for students to pursue career and technical education options in the future.”