On Monday, November 4th, New York’s Board of Regents unveiled a plan to phase out the long-standing Regents exam graduation requirement, a staple in the state’s education system for over a century. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, students will no longer need to pass these exams to receive their high school diplomas, although they will still take the tests. This shift represents a significant transformation in New York’s educational standards, aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
The decision follows recommendations from the state Department of Education, which argues that the exams place unnecessary burdens on certain groups of students, particularly those with disabilities and English language learners. Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa emphasized that this new approach is “about more than preparing students to graduate” and focuses on equipping them to “lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.” The proposed change underscores an evolving educational vision that prioritizes skill-building over test performance.
The Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on the plan in 2027. Alongside this change, New York is set to introduce a “portrait-of-a-graduate” model, which encourages students to demonstrate competency across various domains, including problem-solving, social-emotional development, and core literacy. This model aims to offer a broader measure of academic success beyond standardized exams.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young Jr. voiced strong support for the plan, highlighting its potential to promote equity and inclusion across all student demographics. “The Board is committed to the belief that all students deserve meaningful, rigorous, and inclusive learning opportunities,” Young said, affirming the board’s commitment to high-quality, accessible education.
This policy shift will also eliminate the current diploma distinctions, including the “local diploma,” “Regents diploma,” and “Regents diploma with advanced designation.” By consolidating diplomas, the state seeks to simplify the graduation process and offer a unified standard for all students.
