The New York State Education Department on Monday released its "vision to transform" how students graduate from high school in the state, the culmination of a five-year process that sought to update older standards and acknowledge the different ways that students learn and show progress.
Chief among those recommendations, the Education Department announced, is the eventual elimination of Regents exams, the end-of-year tests, as a requirement that students must pass in certain subjects in order to graduate. The exams would "continue to be available as one of the measures by which students may demonstrate their proficiency in meeting the state's learning standards," but they wouldn't be the determining factor.
Lester W. Young Jr., chancellor of the state's Board of Regents, which oversees education policy, said it's about "raising the bar for all."
"True equity and excellence in education is achievable — but only if we provide all students with meaningful educational opportunities and multiple avenues for them to demonstrate their mastery of the state's rigorous learning standards. Our job is to prepare students for a lifetime of continuous learning, fulfilling careers, and informed civic engagement. Let's provide them with the tools to do that -- and then let's stand back and watch as they pursue their own pathway to success."
In addition to the likely phasing out of Regents exams as a mandate, the state is looking to create a "Portrait of a Graduate," a model that outlines the characteristics students should cultivate: critical thinking, problem solving, literacy across academic subjects, effective communication skills, global citizenship, and cultural, social, and emotional competence.
There would also be a shift in the way high school credits are awarded, focusing on proficiency "rather than upon the completion of time-based units of study."
"The department's vision in this area supports the needs of all students, including students with disabilities and English-language learners, because it allows them the flexibility to demonstrate their understanding and skills in the way best aligned with their strengths and abilities," the department wrote. "This approach is consistent with the Board of Regents' focus on creating a more equitable education system."
Another recommendation is to move to a "one diploma" system, rather than maintain the tiered system now in place in which schools can award a local diploma, Regents diploma, or Regents diploma with advanced designation.
Though the announcement comes just as 2024's Regents exams are starting, it will take some time to go into effect. State officials will seek feedback during a series of public forums later this year. The Board of Regents anticipates voting on the new measures in November.
This means it's still a wait-and-see game for school administrators here.
"I am looking forward to seeing what the final recommendations for high school graduation turns out to be," Adam Fine, the East Hampton School District superintendent and former high school principal, said in an email. "I do believe the tests have value and will continue to exist as they meet the federal requirement. As it looks now, they will not be required for graduation. I believe the streamlined diploma will help ease the confusion associated with the current types of diplomas. In addition, I am thrilled to see what we are able to develop as local pathways to graduation."
The potential impact on college admissions would likely be negligible, as out-of-state colleges don't typically consider Regents exams, which are specific to New York, in their evaluation process. What colleges here and beyond do consider is rigor in the coursework that students complete.
East Hampton "will cover these robust academic programs," Mr. Fine wrote. "We will work to put our students in the most competitive and supportive academic program that prepares them for the next step."
Jeff Nichols, superintendent of the Sag Harbor School District and former principal at Pierson Middle and High School, said he thinks the new graduation standards are "forward thinking" and "have potential."
"I like the idea of providing multiple pathways" for a student to graduate, he said, "but I really want to see what those pathways are. I don't necessarily have an issue with eliminating Regents requirements, as long as the other pathways adequately assess whether students have learned the information."