Hochul criticizes plan to drop Regents exams, renews push for control of state Education Department
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. New York’s slow-moving transition away from requiring Regents exams to graduate has a new critic: Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul, who decisively defeated her Republican opponent Bruce Blakeman on…
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has criticized the state's plan to phase out Regents exams for high school graduation, urging the governor's office to take greater control of the Education Department. Hochul argues that the lack of clarity on what will replace the exams could weaken the value of a New York diploma, and she wants to ensure academic rigor and consistent graduation standards.
The Board of Regents, which currently sets state education policy, will decide what will follow Regents exams, but Hochul's office is concerned about the timeline. For the current class of 2027, students must still pass Regents exams in English, math, science, and social studies to graduate. However, future class requirements are still being developed.
Hochul previously clashed with state education officials over a school cellphone ban, and as Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa favored local control. Supporters believe giving the governor more power could create a stronger vision for New York schools and improve accountability. However, critics worry that such a move could face political challenges and that other states have encountered difficulties implementing similar changes.
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