Oomis1105, I absolutely do not think that regents are what motivate every single student. Yes, some are motivated to learn and do well on their own accord, but some need a regent as a motivator or as a “threat” hanging over their heads to buckle down, and yes, there are even those that could not care less about the regent either.
Although I don’t think that a regent is the answer for everyone, I agree with Bodek that there are some positive points. Even in schools where there is no curriculum advisor, for a regent curriculum one can network elsewhere. In schools with a low education level, at least the regents curriculum is covered – the student graduates with that basic knowledge.
Ask any 9th grade math teacher if the change in curriculum from Math A to Integrated Algebra I has made a difference. Although they are basically the same, Integrated Algebra I does take longer to teach. I found that students are more focused in 9th grade because there’s a regent at the end of the year. For the last few years (Math A was only taught for a few years, before it was Math I) some students were out to lunch in 9th grade and then their parents had to get them intensive tutoring in 10th so that they would pass the regent. What many of these students don’t know (or don’t want to know) is that in order to get a regents diploma they first have to qualify for a high school diploma. If they failed 9th grade math, the regent is worth nothing unless they make it up.
I won’t deny it; there are negative attributes to the regents. As I mentioned before, the rubric is ridiculous. Some others have mentioned that teachers don’t deviate from the curriculum and incorporate other important information into their lessons.
Some private schools have done away with the regent and are teaching on a much higher level. In the frum circles, Manhattan High has done so.