State education officials at the Board of Regents on Monday approved a package of school regulations meant to ease the burden on parents, teachers, and students amid an academic year disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The regulations approved by the Board of Regents formalize the waiving of the 180-day school year so districts are not penalized through a withholding of state aid. Additional moves address waiving assessment requirements, charter school reporting guidelines, and bilingual and special education instruction.

At the same time, the state Education Department is altering regulations in order to provide for a different form of evaluation for students who are receiving home instruction in place of an annual assessment for all grades in the current academic year.

All schools in New York closed last month, and Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the closure order until at least April 15.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put a tremendous burden on many New Yorkers and our schools and children are no exception,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “The regulations passed by the Board today will allow schools, students and professional’s much-needed flexibility while they adapt to this rapidly evolving situation.”