NYS Ends Regents Tests for High School Diplomas

New York’s Board of Regents has approved a major change to the state’s high school graduation system, moving to eliminate the requirement that students pass Regents examinations in order to receive a diploma beginning in 2028.

The change is part of the state’s broader “NY Inspires” education initiative, which will also replace the current system of separate local, Regents and Regents with Advanced Designation diplomas with a single New York State high school diploma.

Under the new framework, students graduating beginning in January 2028 will no longer have to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams to graduate.

For New York’s frum and Chabad high schools, the change could have a significant impact on how students plan their high school coursework and graduation requirements. Schools that have traditionally structured portions of their curriculum around preparing students for required Regents exams will have greater flexibility once the new system takes effect.

“NY Inspires is fundamentally about strengthening teaching and learning and creating deeper, more meaningful educational experiences for every student,” Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said in announcing the changes.

At the same time, the change does not mean that schools will simply stop giving state assessments. NYSED says schools and districts will use multiple forms of evidence, including classroom assessments, student work, performance-based learning experiences, educator observations and state assessments, to measure student achievement.

Regents exams may also continue to be taken by students who wish to demonstrate achievement or pursue certain seals and endorsements. The state specifically says that the Advanced Designation distinction will continue in the form of a seal or endorsement under the new diploma system.

State officials say the new system is intended to give students more ways to demonstrate what they have learned.