August 7, 2026
FROM ALFRED-ALMOND SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT BRETT DUSINBERRE: We want to take a moment to clarify what the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has actually determined and what it means for our students. First, it is important to address a common misconception: Regents Exams are not disappearing entirely. However, NYSED is officially ending the requirement that students must pass these exams to earn a high school diploma, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
Following the recommendations of the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, the Board of Regents adopted a new “Portrait of a Graduate” framework. This updated model allows students to demonstrate proficiency through multiple pathways—such as capstone projects, portfolios, and work-based learning—rather than relying solely on standardized test scores.
Here is what this means for a student’s graduation timeline:
Class of 2027 (Current Seniors): The existing rules remain fully in place. Students graduating this year must still earn passing scores on Regents exams to receive their diplomas.
Class of 2028 and Beyond: The requirement to pass Regents Exams will officially sunset. Students will still take state assessments as required by federal testing guidelines, but passing them will become just one of several ways to demonstrate graduation readiness. The new graduation measures are expected to be fully phased in by the 2029-2030 school year.
