New York just dropped its century-old Regents exam requirement for graduation starting with the Class of 2028, raising sharp concerns about lowering standards for every student in the state.
Story Highlights
- Board of Regents ends passing Regents exams as a graduation gate for 2028 graduates
- State shifts to one diploma, with optional endorsements for students who still pass exams
- Critics warn the change lowers academic standards and public trust in diplomas
- Supporters say exams remain as statewide measures, but without the pass-to-graduate rule
What New York Changed and When It Takes Effect
New York’s Board of Regents approved a plan that removes the requirement to pass Regents exams to earn a high school diploma beginning with students graduating in 2028. The exams will still be given statewide, but they will not decide if a student gets a diploma. The plan follows years of debate over testing and graduation rules after the pandemic. A state official said the exams will remain measures of achievement, not graduation gates.
The New York State Education Department says students in the 2027 and 2028 cohorts will graduate with a single New York State high school diploma. The department’s materials explain that while students will still take statewide exams, there will be no separate assessment requirement to receive a diploma. Students can still earn advanced designation or other seals by choosing to pass certain assessments under the new system, but those are optional add-ons.
Why Critics See a Lower Bar and a Risk to Rigor
Education watchdogs, some school leaders, and policy analysts argue the move lowers standards for all students. They say removing a clear pass line on core subjects weakens the signal a diploma sends to parents, employers, and colleges. A national outlet summed up critics’ view: ending the pass-to-graduate rule “lowers standards of excellence,” offering an easier alternative rather than fixing instruction gaps that grew in recent years.
Skeptics also point to the practical risks. They warn local districts may relax grading or project rules without a firm, shared benchmark. That could widen gaps across communities and make transcripts harder to compare. Some outlets report the state denies it is lowering the bar, but critics respond that “trust us” is not a standard. They urge the state to keep a strong, common measure to backstop grades and local assessments the public cannot audit easily.
What Supporters Promise and What Must Happen Next
State leaders say the change will modernize graduation and let students show learning in more ways. They stress Regents exams will continue as rigorous statewide checks and that students who still pass them can earn advanced designations. That option aims to reward high achievement while removing a single test as a hard gate. The department’s materials frame the shift as a move to one diploma with optional endorsements, not a retreat from academic goals.
The New York State Board of Regents has approved a plan to begin overhauling high school graduation requirements. It means students won't need to pass Regents exams to earn a diploma. @McLoganTV reports. https://t.co/efVINzK3nc
— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) September 16, 2026
For families and taxpayers, the key test is in the details. Mixed-measure systems only work if the state sets firm rubrics, trains teachers, audits grading, and reports results clearly. New York must prove local projects, portfolios, or capstones match the content depth Regents once enforced. Clear statewide scoring guides, outside reviews, and public reporting can keep standards honest. Without those guardrails, a diploma risks meaning less, and students—especially in struggling schools—pay the price.
What Parents Should Watch Under President Trump’s Term
Parents should ask districts how students will prove mastery in math, science, English, and history without a pass line. They should seek details on who scores projects, how scores are checked, and how results compare across schools. Colleges and employers still expect strong basics. President Trump’s administration pushes for accountability, skills, and transparency. New York’s plan must show it lifts students to higher ground, not hides weak results behind new labels and softer local rules.
Sources:
facebook.com, news10.com, nypost.com
