NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Students across Western New York are sitting for Regents exams this week, even as the state prepares to eliminate the long-standing graduation requirement.
Starting in the 2027-28 school year, the New York State Education Department will begin phasing out Regents exams as a mandatory graduation requirement, moving instead to a competency-based diploma system. Under the new model, students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through hands-on learning rather than standardized tests.
At Niagara Falls High School, students were taking 2 different Regents exams on Wednesday. To graduate, seniors must pass 5 Regents courses.
Principal Bryan Rotella said the shift is already on students’ minds…