New Major Change Coming for New York Regents Exams 

Remember your school days? It's been a few years for me. Okay, a lot of years, but I still remember the good times. Bad times? Well, I forgot those times.

I, like many students, dreaded tests. Hoping I remembered whatever would be on the test was a cause for worry. Then there were the biggies. Do you remember? According to the website, Mom On The Go In Holy Toledo, there are five types of standardized tests for high school students - Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), ACT (American College Testing), AP (Advanced Placement) Exams, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams.

And let's not forget the Regents Exams. But, for New York State students a major change could soon occur concerning New York Regents Exams.

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According to the website Gothamist, this month (November 2024) the New York State Department of Education proposed a plan that would mean students in the Empire State would no longer have to pass Regents Exams to earn their high school diplomas.

If approved by the Board of Regents, this proposal would begin with the 2027-2028 school year. How does the timeline work for this? Here's how the New York State Education Department breaks it down:

A cohort consists of all students who first entered grade 9 in a particular school year.

Cohort 2023 & Prior

Current diploma requirements - students will graduate with one of three diplomas (local, Regents, or Regents with advanced designation.)

Cohort 2024, 2035 & 2026

Current credit requirements - diploma assessment requirements are proposed to sunset within four years. Students will continue to take Regents Exams but will not be required to pass the Regents Exams to earn a diploma. Students will graduate with the NYS high school diploma. Students may take Regents Exams to earn endorsements, including advanced designation.

Cohort 2027 & 2028

New credit requirement - no separate diploma assessment requirements. Students will graduate with the NYS high school diploma. In addition to their diploma, students may earn additional redefined seals and endorsements, including advanced designation.

Cohort 2029

New system - students must demonstrate proficiency in both the high school learning standards and the Portrait of a Graduate. Students will graduate with the NYS high school diploma with optional seals and endorsements. The statewide transcript will be required for all students.

For more information and details, visit the New York State Education Department website.