In 1996 the Board of Regents approved a proposal to revise graduation requirements, including a Safety Net for only students with disabilities. The intention of the Safety Net was to increase access to general education curriculum; raise educational standards and graduation rates for students with disabilities.

The Board of Regents is currently considering a proposed amendment to section 100.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.  This amendment will extend the existing Regents Competency Test (RCT) Safety Net for an additional year to make it available to all eligible students with disabilities entering grade 9 prior to the 2011-12 school year.  The Regents are accepting written public comment on this amendment which must be received by November 16, 2009.