Mike Goodwin and Rachel Silberstein are reporting for the Times Union.State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa announced December 21, that the Regents examinations scheduled for January have been canceled because of the worsening pandemic. "New York set a daunting record last week with more COVID-19 cases reported in one day than ever before," Rosa said. "Once again, the January Regents exams cannot be safely, equitably, and fairly administered across the state. We will continue to work with our schools, districts, and stakeholders to ensure they have what they need to provide academic, social and emotional, and mental health supports for our students." The Education Department says no decisions have been made about the exams scheduled for June and August or any other state assessments. In light of the January test cancellation, the Education Department will ask the Board of Regents to modify the assessment requirements students need to earn diplomas, credentials and endorsements. NYSED is also developing additional guidance in the form of an FAQ and will issue that guidance in early January to address topics such as safety net options, mastery, honors, and technical endorsements so that schools may determine which diplomas to grant to their graduates. Read more in the Times Union.