New York Regents Exam Requirement Scrapped, Drawing Criticism

The New York State Board of Regents has decided to end the requirement for students to pass Regents exams to earn a high school diploma, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from some readers who view it as a decline in educational standards.

The decision, which will take effect starting in 2028, means that a high school diploma can be obtained without passing these comprehensive examinations.

Reader Concerns Over Academic Standards

Several New York Post readers expressed dismay over the Board of Regents' decision. Frank Brady of Yonkers argued that while the exams may not be a perfect predictor of future success, they served as an objective measure of achievement and fostered academic accountability. He fears that removing this safeguard will lead to increased graduation rates alongside a decrease in genuine learning.

Harold Fishman of Manhattan echoed these sentiments, stating that the quality of New York's education system has been in a "long downward spiral." He recalled the CUNY system's past open admissions policy, which he believes proved disastrous and was eventually abandoned. Fishman views the elimination of the Regents exam requirement as another step in this decline, attributing the decision to "ultra-liberal educators" who he claims do not prioritize rigorous education.

Michael Headley of Brooklyn suggested that the Board of Regents has overlooked the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." He noted that the Regents exams, while challenging, provided students with a sense of pride upon earning their diplomas. Headley proposed that a hands-on learning framework should be integrated with Regents testing to better prepare students for real-world demands in today's fast-paced, technological environment.

Kevin Judge of Naples, Fla., criticized State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa, suggesting the move is part of a trend to "dumb down America's future generations." He expressed concern that diplomas are becoming devalued and that students may not even grasp fundamental knowledge, such as identifying the first U.S. president.

Michael Castagna of Brooklyn believes the Department of Education is effectively becoming a "diploma mill." He contends that the failure to raise reading scores has led to the elimination of the Regents exams, resulting in graduates who may be unable to secure employment and could become dependent on government assistance.