raise the standards of education. This plan changed the requirements .

             for graduation by raising the number of credits needed for graduation, .

             raising the number of required core curriculum classes such as social .

             studies, and introduced technology and computer science. The plan .

             also introduced the Regents Minimum Competency Tests, which requires a .

             student to pass tests in five major categories; math, science, .

             reading, writing, and two areas of social studies. Although the plan .

             achieved many of its goals in raising standards of education in N.Y. .

             State, the general consensus is that we need to continue to improve .

             our education system rather than being satisfied with the achievements .

             we have made thus far.

             Therefore, N.Y. adopted "The New Compact for Learning". This .

             plan is based on the principles that all children can learn. The .

             focus of education should be on results and teachers should aim for .

             mastery, not minimum competency. Education should be provided for all .

             children and authority with accountability should be given to .

             educators and success should be rewarded with necessary changes being .

             made to reduce failures. This plan calls for curriculum to be devised .

             in order to meet the needs of students so that they will be fully .

             functional in society upon graduation, rather than just being able to .

             graduate. Districts within the state have been given the authority to .

             devise their own curriculum, but are held accountable by the state so .

             that each district meets the states goals that have been established. .

             Teachers are encouraged to challenge students to reach their full .

             potential, rather than minimum competency. In this regard, tracking .

             of students is being eliminated so that all students will be .

             challenged, rather than just those who are gifted. Similarly, success .

             should be rewarded with recognition and incentives to further .

             encourage progress for districts, teachers and students while others .