ents Action Plan; an eight year plan designed to
             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
             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 f...