New York Could Dramatically Change High School Graduation Requirements

New York could be making some of the biggest changes to high school graduation requirements in decades.

The State Education Department is looking beyond its plan to eliminate Regents exams as a graduation requirement and is now considering a new approach that focuses on what students can actually do, rather than how much time they spend in class.

New York Graduation Requirements Could Look Very Different

Under the proposal, students entering high school in 2029 could earn a diploma by showing they have mastered certain skills instead of simply collecting credits and passing Regents exams.

Education officials are calling it a "competency-based" system. That could allow students to complete internships, independent studies, lab work or special projects instead of sitting through a traditional full-year class. Students would still be expected to stay in school, but they may have more flexibility in how they learn.

Regents Exams May No Longer Be Required for Graduation

The plan still calls for Regents exams to become voluntary, though the Board of Regents has not yet officially approved that change.

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If adopted, students graduating in 2033 would become the first class in New York history to earn diplomas without having to pass Regents exams. The class of 2001 was the first required to pass five Regents exams.

State leaders say the goal is to shift away from one-day tests and focus more on a student's overall body of work.

New York Wants Students to Show Skills Instead of Memorizing Facts

The new model would emphasize real-world skills instead of memorizing information for an exam.

For example, algebra would no longer be viewed simply as a class students need to pass. Officials say students would show how they can apply math to compare financial data, estimate project costs and solve everyday problems.

Students would also be expected to demonstrate skills included in New York's "Portrait of a Graduate," including:

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Communication skills
• Civic responsibility
• Self-reflection
• College and career readiness

New Statewide Transcripts Could Highlight Projects and Experiences

New York is also discussing a new statewide transcript.

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Instead of listing only classes, grades and test scores, future transcripts could include projects, presentations and other examples showing what students know and can do.

Officials say the new transcript would better reflect whether students are prepared for college, careers and life after high school.

Teachers and Parents Still Have Questions About the Changes

The proposal was presented Monday to the Board of Regents, but many details have not yet been finalized.

Several Regents members said teachers are asking how they should prepare students and what "demonstrating competency" will actually look like in the classroom.

When Would New York High School Graduation Changes Take Effect?

The changes are currently aimed at students entering ninth grade in the fall of 2029.

That means the Class of 2033 would be the first group affected by the new requirements.

For now, state officials will continue working on the details and gathering feedback from educators and communities across New York before any final decisions are made.