New York plans to separate Regents exams from graduation requirements starting in 2028

What happened

The district’s Graduation Measures Committee reported that New York State plans to decouple Regents exams from graduation requirements beginning with the January 2028 graduating class. Greece has begun planning a local assessment approach to continue measuring proficiency in state learning standards, while the state is also planning new high-school ESSA assessments.

Why it matters to families

The change could alter how high-school students demonstrate proficiency to graduate; Greece says it is planning its local approach but that details remain uncertain, and it intends to preserve consistency for students and families where possible.

The evidence

At the October 6, 2026 board meeting, the Graduation Measures Committee reported the Regents-exam change and January 2028 start, said initial planning had begun for local assessments, and noted that the state plans new ESSA assessments for high-school students. The committee said it would revisit the issue after the November 2026 Regents meeting. (1:02:12–1:03:12)

The source