New York Is Changing How Kids Graduate. Here's What Special Ed Families Need to Know
No jargon. No overwhelm. Just the facts — and what they mean for your child.
What Is New York Changing?
Right now, New York State has three different high school diplomas. Which one a student gets depends on how many Regents exams they pass and how well they score. You've probably heard of Regents exams — they're big standardized tests in subjects like English, Math, and Science that students have had to pass to graduate.
🎓 Starting in 2028, passing Regents exams will no longer be required to graduate — and every student will earn the same single New York State High School Diploma.
The last time Regents exams will count toward graduation is August 2027. Students who started 9th grade in 2024–2025 will be the first class under the new rules.
One diploma for everyone
No more tiers. Every graduating student gets the same New York State High School Diploma.
Regents exams become optional
Students can still take them to earn endorsements, but passing won't be required to graduate.
New ways to show learning
Projects, internships, and real-world experiences may count — not just test scores.
Timeline: Class of 2028
Current 9th graders (2024–25) are the first class to graduate under the new system.
Wait — Are They Lowering Standards?
This is the first question most parents ask, and it's completely fair.
The short answer: No — at least, that's not the intention. Teachers will still be required to teach to New York's learning standards. Students will still need to earn enough credits to graduate. Testing will still happen — it just won't be the only thing standing between your child and a diploma.
Think of it this way: your child might be brilliant with people, incredible with their hands, or a natural problem-solver — and a multiple-choice test might never show that. This change is meant to make room for more of those kids to cross the finish line with a real diploma.
What Does This Mean for My Childww with a Disability?
This is what matters most. Here's the honest breakdown:
Stays the same ✓
Your child's IEP stays in place
Accommodations & supports still required
Still need to earn credits to graduate
State will still assess students
May get easier →
No more scrambling to qualify for "safety nets"
No stigma of a "lesser" diploma
More flexibility in how learning is shown
Same diploma as every other student
Under the current system, families have had to navigate a complex web of safety nets, appeals, and special determinations just to help their child earn a diploma. The new system aims to make that finish line the same for everyone — without the extra hoops.
What's the CDOS Credential? Should I Be Worried?
You may have heard the term CDOS Commencement Credential at IEP meetings. Here's the most important thing to know:
The CDOS credential is NOT a high school diploma. On its own, it cannot be used to apply to college, join the military, or enroll in trade school. Always advocate for your child to be working toward an actual diploma — not just a credential.
Too many students with disabilities have been quietly steered toward the CDOS credential instead of being supported to earn a real diploma. The goal of the new system is to make sure more students — including yours — have a genuine shot at graduating with a diploma in hand.
What Should You Do Right Now?
You don't need to figure this all out today. Here are five simple steps to stay ahead:
Bring it up at your child's next IEP meeting
Ask: "How might the 2028 diploma changes affect my child's graduation plan?" Simple question, important conversation.
Don't panic if details are still fuzzy
The changes aren't final until the Board of Regents votes in 2027. There's time — but knowing what's coming helps you ask better questions now.
Ask about the "Portrait of a "
Find out what alternative ways of showing learning your district will offer — projects, internships, portfolios. Ask early.
Make sure expectations stay high
The biggest risk with any diploma change is kids getting quietly moved into easier paths. Stay involved and ask what grade-level standards your child is working toward.
Connect with a special education advocate
Organizations like Advocates for Children of New York offer free guidance for families navigating exactly these kinds of changes.
You're already showing up for your kid.
New York's diploma change could be a real opportunity for students with disabilities — a chance to earn the same diploma as every other student, in a way that actually works for how they learn. You've got this, and we're here to help.
