NY Exemption for Regents Exams due to Major Life Event

• In February 2025, the Board of Regents approved an emergency rule to allow NY students to receive exemptions from the Regents exams and still achieve a Regents Diploma, if that student experienced a major life event.  

• A major life event may include medical conditions, death of a family member, or other trauma as further defined by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures Initiative.  

• A student, parent, school, or school district staff can request the exemption. 

• To qualify for the exemption, a student must meet the following criteria: 

(1) the student was enrolled in a course of study or makeup program leading to a required diploma assessment; 

(2) the student met or exceeded the expected learning outcomes for the course of study; and 

(3) a major life event has significantly impacted or prevented the student from participating in such assessment. 

• The Superintendent will determine if a student qualifies for an exemption. In doing so, the Superintendent must consider whether the student exceeded or met the expected learning outcomes for the course in the subject area under review. The Superintendent may consider, among other things: 

• • The final grade the student achieved in the course; 

• • The work completed by the student throughout the school year; 

• • Any interim portfolio; and  

• • Performance based assessments on the student’s proficiency for the applicable learning standards. 

• This currently only exists as an emergency rule. It is anticipated an official proposed amendment will be presented for permanent adoption at the November 2025 Board of Regents meeting.