Ex-Governor Pataki Criticizes New York's Decision to Phase Out Regents Exams

Former New York Governor George Pataki has sharply criticized the state's decision to phase out the Regents exams as a high school graduation requirement by 2028, calling the move "incredibly stupid" and a "sad day for New York."

Pataki, who served as governor from 1995 to 2006 and was instrumental in establishing the Regents exams as a graduation requirement, stated that the elimination of these tests serves to obscure the fact that many New York schools are failing to adequately educate students. He suggested that instead of implementing corrective measures based on test results, the state is opting to "hide their failure" by removing the exams.

The New York State Board of Regents voted earlier this month to make the Regents exams optional, as they work to develop alternative graduation requirements. Currently, students must pass exams in math, English, science, and Global Studies to earn a diploma. The class of 2028 will be the first graduating class not required to pass these exams, although they will still be offered.

The decision has become a contentious issue in the gubernatorial race, with Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman criticizing current Governor Kathy Hochul's administration. Blakeman stated that "taxpayers and students deserve higher standards, stronger schools and real accountability for the enormous amount of money New York spends on education."

A representative for Governor Hochul acknowledged concerns about the change and the lack of clarity regarding replacement standards. The Governor's office stated, "While this decision rests with the independent State Education Department, she believes strongly that a New York diploma must remain a meaningful credential that students, families, colleges and employers can trust. The Board of Regents have a responsibility to preserve academic rigor and ensure clear, consistent graduation standards across the state."

The State Education Department (SED) defended its decision, noting that former Governor Pataki has not been actively involved in educational policy since 1998. The SED asserted its commitment to "equity, academic rigor, and preparing New York’s students for the future" over "preserving the education politics of the 1990s."

Education experts have raised concerns about the process, with Stan Litow, a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees, describing the removal of an accountability system without a replacement as "a flawed way of proceeding."

Some acknowledge that the Regents exams themselves have faced criticism and have been subject to scandals, with concerns about being "dumbed down" to maintain graduation rates. The SED plans to implement new requirements that may include portfolios, focusing on long-term projects and problem-solving, and emphasizing critical thinking skills like recognizing misinformation and evaluating sources.