Regents Exams Could Become Optional for New York High School Students

High school students have reason to celebrate as a new proposal from a blue-ribbon panel appointed by New York’s Education Department suggests making the Regents exams optional for graduation.

The plan, unveiled on Monday, proposes that the exams no longer be a mandatory requirement for a diploma. However, this change won’t take effect until the Board of Regents votes on it, which is expected to happen no earlier than November. Therefore, students will still need to take the Regents exams for at least one more school year.

Under the new guidelines, students will need to demonstrate their proficiency in various 21st-century skills. While taking an exam like the Regents tests remains an option, students can also choose to complete projects, give presentations, gain real-world experiences such as internships, or participate in performing arts to showcase their skills. The focus will shift towards critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, multi-disciplinary literacy, and effective communication.

Throughout this summer, state education officials will engage with school districts to determine the support needed to implement these new graduation requirements. The Board of Regents has been considering this change for over a year, awaiting recommendations from a committee composed of teachers, school leaders, students, and members of educational nonprofit organizations.

Additional suggested reforms to high school education include removing the requirement to study algebra in favor of more currently relevant math skills, reducing the emphasis on memorization, and incorporating more real-world experiences such as internships and public speaking opportunities.