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Dear Principals and Administrators,
As part of our ongoing commitment to support our schools through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Substantial Equivalency process, we want to provide you with an update following the Local School Authorities (LSAs) submission deadline to the State Education Department (SED) on January 15th. This memo aims to clarify the steps ahead.
Next Steps and Follow-Up:
LSAs will be actively engaging in follow-up with issues or questions related to nonpublic school submissions, for example:
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High School Registration Status: Including elementary school connections to high schools.
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Assessments: Addressing any concerns if the chosen assessment is not yet approved by the SED.
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Accreditation: Providing evidence of accreditation as part of the assessment process.
For Schools That Chose LSA Review:
Schools that opted for LSA review will be contacted by their LSA for an initial meeting and entrance interview.
For Schools That Did Not Choose a Pathway:
- Schools that did not select a specific pathway for Substantial Equivalency assessment will automatically undergo LSA review.
- The LSA will reach out to these schools. They will attempt to contact the school (twice if in NYC) before issuing a determination or recommendation of non-equivalence if there is no response.
Implications of Non-Equivalence:
- Schools determined to be non-equivalent will not have the option to choose another pathway afterward.
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The LSA will provide a 60-day period for the school to develop a plan to meet Substantial Equivalency standards by the end of the 2024-25 school year. To see the guidance presentations from the Department of Education, click here.
- Long Term Ramifications: The ongoing lawsuit in which Agudath Israel of America (AIA) is involved, currently on appeal, will significantly impact the outcome. If the appeal is successful, the obligation to meet Substantial Equivalency standards may shift primarily to parents rather than schools. The implications for services and funding are currently uncertain and depend on the lawsuit's outcome.
December Reporting:
In December, LSAs will report to the SED on the Substantial Equivalency status of all schools. This reporting is critical for tracking progress and ensuring compliance.
Resources and Further Information:
For more detailed information and to access pathway memos, please see our prior memos linked below.
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