Full Breakdown
New York to Drop Regents Exams as Graduation Requirement Starting 2027-28
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Reform Plan
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) announced that, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, passing the Regents examinations will no longer be required for a high-school diploma. Students will still sit for the exams—administered since 1865—to satisfy federal accountability mandates, but graduation will instead be based on a broader “Portrait of a Graduate” framework that assesses critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem solving and literacy across disciplines. The first cohort affected will be students entering ninth grade in 2028-29.
Background & Context
The change is part of NY Inspires, the state’s multi-year effort to overhaul secondary education. NYSED officials argue that a single high-stakes test should not be the sole determinant of diploma eligibility and that multiple performance measures will better capture college- and career-readiness. The Board of Regents approved the plan after years of study and public engagement.
Data Highlighting Academic Challenges
- State data show a graduation rate of 85 % in 2025, yet only 56 % of students passed the Algebra 1 Regents exam.
- The 2024 NAEP found that 31 % of eighth-graders entering high school were proficient in reading.
- Approximately 1 million high-school and middle-school students are affected statewide.
These figures illustrate persistent gaps in reading and math proficiency, especially among Black, Latinx, low-income, disabled and multilingual learners.
Official Statements & Responses
NYSED officials emphasize that the new system will retain state assessments required by federal law while adding multiple pathways for students to demonstrate mastery of the “Portrait of a Graduate” competencies. Education leaders also note that the Regents exams will continue to be administered during the transition period.
Criticism & Opposition
Erika Sanzi, senior director of outreach for Defending Education, argues that eliminating the Regents exam removes an objective benchmark and risks masking academic deficiencies. She contends that the policy could send a message that low-performing students are not expected to meet high standards, potentially undermining equity and long-term readiness for college and the workforce.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I often refer to this as putting the quit in equity,” — Erika Sanzi
Timeline
- 2027-28 school year: Regents exams cease to be a graduation requirement.
- 2028-29 school year: First cohort of ninth-graders subject to the fully redesigned graduation standards.
- Ongoing (2027-2030): Transition period during which Regents exams remain part of the state assessment system.
What’s Next
NYSED will develop rubrics, statewide calibrations and guidance materials to help districts implement the new proficiency measures. The reform’s impact on graduation rates, college readiness and workforce outcomes will be evaluated as the first graduating classes under the new system complete high school.