Regents Exams May No Longer Be a High School Diploma Requirement: Panel Suggests Alternatives

New York State may soon eliminate a requirement that high school students take Regents exams to earn a diploma.

On November 13, an advisory group formed by the State Education Department recommended that all students be given options other than the exams to prove that they have mastered material.

Local educational leaders applauded the move by the state — but none condemned the use of the tests altogether.

“I am thrilled that students will possibly have a rigorous alternative pathway to graduation,” said East Hampton Superintendent of Schools Adam Fine. “I do believe the Regents exams have a place in the requirements, but having other manners in which students can demonstrate mastery and achieve a diploma is a win for everyone.”

Southampton High School Principal Brian Zahn said that while more clarity is needed, he is also happy to see the initial announcement, saying it shows that the State Education Department recognizes student achievement, and that success can be measured in other ways outside of high-stakes standardized testing.

“The Blue Ribbon Commission also recognized that many factors outside of our classrooms, such as student trauma, English language proficiency and social inequities, directly impact a student’s performance in school and on high-stakes testing,” he said. “This is a promising step in the graduation measure reform.”

This Blue Ribbon Commission, created in 2019 to examine and rethink New York’s graduation requirements, undertook an independent and inclusive process to explore what a state diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for every student in the state.

“Prior to entering into this process, we knew the current system wasn’t working for all students,” State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said. “The intent of this initiative was never to lower standards; to the contrary, it focused on placing all New York State students on a success trajectory by providing them access to the necessary opportunities and supports they need.”

A diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, professionals from business and higher education, parents and students were involved in the process, and the ultimate recommendations culminate from a robust input process and an extensive review of relevant research, literature and experience.

Officials plan to create a timeline for implementing the recommendations by next fall.

To graduate in New York currently, most students earn 22 credits and need to pass five Regents exams in subjects like English, math and social studies. The tests, which typically run three hours, shape high schools across New York.

“Thanks to the voices of all those involved, we have a road map for learning-centered education that best meets the needs of every student in New York State,” State Education Department Chancellor Lester W. Young Jr. said. “It incorporates competency imperatives that provide them the practical skills needed for the dynamic demands of tomorrow’s workforce. The report reflects a deliberate and comprehensive process designed to empower all New York State students, allowing them to demonstrate what they’ve learned in a meaningful way and ensuring their success as they prepare for college, career and civic life.”

Hampton Bays Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen said it is important to note that the recommendations on graduation requirements are just that — recommendations.

“The New York State Education Department is now tasked with reviewing the recommendations and considering what practical policy proposals to make for the Board of Regents’ consideration,” Clemensen said. “The Blue Ribbon report offers that ‘what,’ and the work of the next year is the ‘how.’”

He said his read of the recommendations does not lead him to believe that Regents will simply disappear.

“I would expect that the pathways for assessment include a variety of options for a student, Regents exams included,” Clemensen said. “In Hampton Bays, we believe if there are multiple vessels for students to pursue their path to a high school diploma and to be ‘life ready,’ it only provides more opportunities for children to be successful.

“We will continue to monitor the situation while continuing to provide our students with a solid academic foundation for future success.”