Story perspectives

New York ends Regents exams as graduation requirement in 2028

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 12:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

NY Diploma Reform

The New York State Education Department announced a single statewide high school diploma beginning with the class of 2028.
The Board of Regents approved the NY Inspires next phase to eliminate mandatory Regents exam requirements.
Graduates starting in 2028 will receive the new diploma without passing a prescribed Regents set.
Regents exams will remain rigorous statewide achievement measures but will no longer be graduation prerequisites.

Summary

Roger Tilles Criticizes

Roger Tilles said the Regents may not accurately measure mastery, noting honors students sometimes failed.
Tom Adams warned the change could lower expectations and urged a return to basics.
EdTrust-New York urged pausing rollout until a clear, equitable assessment plan is detailed.
Regent Hasoni Pratts asked for parent resources during the transition, receiving no timeline.
Queens Regent Judith Chin pressed officials to keep local assessments rigorous and consistent.

History

Historical Context

President George W. Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002, extending the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s push for statewide testing after the 1983 A Nation at Risk report warned of declining standards. States such as New York later required universal high-stakes exams, a mandate the 2028 diploma overhaul now drops while preserving rigorous assessments.

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NY Diploma Reform

The New York State Education Department announced a single statewide high school diploma beginning with the class of 2028.
The Board of Regents approved the NY Inspires next phase to eliminate mandatory Regents exam requirements.
Graduates starting in 2028 will receive the new diploma without passing a prescribed Regents set.
Regents exams will remain rigorous statewide achievement measures but will no longer be graduation prerequisites.

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