New York moves toward single high school diploma in 2028
Proposed change would end required Regents exams for graduation.
The state Board of Regents authorized the Education Department on Sept. 14 to move ahead with the next phase of NY Inspires, a plan to overhaul graduation requirements. The Nassau Herald reports the proposed regulatory changes have not received final approval, and current graduation requirements remain unchanged.
Under the proposal, students graduating beginning in January 2028 would earn a single state diploma instead of passing a required set of Regents exams. Students could still take Regents tests, with achievements noted through seals or endorsements. The Education Department plans to bring proposed amendments to the Board of Regents by February 2027, and Hewlett-Woodmere Superintendent Dina Anzalone said the board is expected to decide by July 1.
Anzalone said at a Sept. 16 school board meeting that Regents exams would likely keep a role in measuring student competency and meeting federal assessment requirements. Lawrence Superintendent Ann Pederson said the district looks forward to the fuller proposal in February and will work with the Nassau BOCES team to meet student needs.