NY students may not have to pass Regents exam to graduate starting in 2027-28

New York students would no longer have to pass Regents exams to earn their high school diplomas starting in the 2027-2028 school year, under a timeline proposed by the state Department of Education this week.

Students would still take the exams but wouldn’t be required to pass them to graduate under the plan. The shift has considerable implications for New York’s education system, where the standards have been in place in some form for more than 100 years.

The state Board of Regents still needs to vote to adopt the plan before it could go into effect. The proposal calls for that vote to happen in 2027.

The proposal is “aimed at transforming education in New York,” according to an announcement from the education department. Later this school year, education officials are expected to release more details about a “portrait-of-a-graduate” plan under development that would outline several ways students could meet graduation requirements by showing competency across several areas — such as social-emotional competence, problem solving and literacy in key subjects.

“Our objective is to provide greater opportunities for children to learn and grow, to be heard and valued and to showcase their skills and knowledge,” state Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said in a statement. “With this plan, we’re doing so much more than just preparing our students to graduate, we’re empowering them to lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

The plan also calls for phasing out New York’s three existing types of diplomas — the “local diploma,” “Regents diploma” and “Regents diploma with advanced designation” — with just a single type.

The state education department recommended that New York stop requiring Regents exams in June. Critics of the exams have said they're unfair for some students, including those with disabilities and English language learners, who deserve diplomas. Students are currently required to pass hourslong Regents exams in core subjects: English language arts, math, social studies and science.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young Jr. said in a statement that the plan reflects the board’s commitment to equity for all students.

"The Board of Regents is firmly committed to the belief that all students deserve meaningful, rigorous and inclusive learning opportunities in school,” he said. “This plan is essential for ensuring that all students in New York state, no matter their background or circumstances, receive high-quality instruction that equips them for success in a complex and rapidly evolving world."