Key metrics that determine school performance will be waived this year due to the disruption caused by the pandemic after New York was granted a federal waiver, the State Education Department on Tuesday announced. 

The school year brought continued levels of uncertainty for students, teachers and parents with remote learning for many children falling far short, especially for those from low-income households. 

“While accountability remains an important part of the work we do, we must acknowledge there are additional priorities in our schools now," State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said. "With this waiver, districts can continue to provide services to all students by ensuring that instructional time can be used for immediate academic and social-emotional needs created by COVID-19, including the needs of students with disabilities, English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged students.”

The development means schools will not be penalized in accountability standards like academic progress, student growth, English proficiency, chronic absenteeism or their graduation rates. The State Education Department will also waive all requirements for the participation rates in state assessments administered during the school year, according to a five-page memorandum sent to school districts. 

Schools will not see a change in status to deem them to be "struggling" or in receivership as a result. 

Schools are set to end the academic year after months of hybrid learning in many districts, with some students and teachers in the classroom, others learning and teaching remotely. Districts in New York expect a full return to in-classroom instruction in September when schools reopen for the new academic year. 

State education officials said the uncertainties created by the pandemic will paint an unfair or inaccurate picture of academic performance.

“In this extraordinary year, any accountability determinations would be distorted by disparities across the state in learning opportunities and access to devices and internet connection, and we are grateful to USDE for recognizing this,” Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said in a statement. “It’s critical that the Department be able to make accurate accountability judgments so schools and students receive the proper supports. We will continue to work with those districts and schools that have been previously identified to ensure they are making the progress necessary to best serve their students.”