The end of Regents exams: Letters to the Editor Sept. 17, 2026

The New York Board of Regents has determined that passing the Regents will no longer be required to earn a high school diploma (“Ending required Regents,” Sept.15).This is a retrograde step.

The exams may not be a perfect predictor of later performance, but at least they were an objective measure of achievement.They demanded great accountability from teachers and fostered a modicum of academic respect for the diploma.Now that the basic safeguard has been removed, expect graduation rates to increase while real learning decreases.Frank BradyYonkersThe quality of New York’s education system has been on a long downward spiral.

Years ago, the CUNY system eliminated educational standards with its open admissions policy, which proved to be a disaster and that ultimately was abandoned.Now, after allowing Regents standards to be watered down, the Board of Regents has decided to stop requiring the tests.This is a fool-hearted decision supported by ultra-liberal educators who don’t want to overwork or educate our kids.Harold FishmanManhattanThe old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” seems to have eluded the New York Board of Regents.Over the years, the exams have been a challenge for students, but receiving a diploma gave them a sense of pride.In today’s fast-paced, technological world, educators need varied methods to expose students to real-world demands.The proposed hands-on learning framework should be combined with Regents testing, in the hope of producing better-prepared students.Michael HeadleyBrooklynWay to go, State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa.

Keep dumbing down America’s future generations.This decline keeps progressing as we watch.Diplomas are already about as useful as toilet paper and Regents requirements are a wash.We expect students to know fundamentals in grade school.

If you give a diploma at graduation, at least have them understand who the first president of our country was.Kevin JudgeNaples, Fla.The Board of Regents is adm...