New York State has announced that its high school students will no longer be required to pass Regents exams to graduate, a policy that has been in place for decades. The Board of Regents, which oversees education in the state, has determined that these exams will not be a graduation requirement beginning in 2028.
Felicia Thomas-Williams, a member of the Board of Regents and its representative for Long Island, voiced her strong support for the decision. "All New York State students will now be able to demonstrate their competency, which I know is the expectation, in a manner that showcases their strength," Thomas-Williams stated. She argued that eliminating the Regents exam requirement is "the opposite" of "dumbing down" education, comparing the exam's broad applicability to asking "fish to climb a tree."
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young echoed this sentiment, stating that the change moves the state closer to a "more equitable system." He emphasized that students deserve "rich, high-quality learning experiences" and opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that reflect their individual strengths, regardless of their background or circumstances.
State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa indicated that the New York Department of Education will develop alternative graduation requirements. She told NBC4 that by maintaining rigorous standards while offering more avenues for students to apply knowledge and critical thinking, the state will better prepare them for college, careers, and civic life.
However, not all members of the Board of Regents share the same enthusiasm. Board member Weinman Shorenstein expressed concern about how comparability across different local assessment methods will be ensured. Online reactions to a video of Thomas-Williams' remarks have also been mixed, with some users questioning the effectiveness of her chosen metaphors and the implications for educational standards.
The Regents exams, which test fundamental knowledge in subjects such as math, English, science, and global studies, have been a cornerstone of high school graduation requirements in New York for many years. The shift away from these standardized tests aims to create a more flexible and equitable pathway to graduation for all students.