Research

Administrative History

The first Regents examinations were developed for and distributed by the Regents and administered by schools in 1865, initially intended for all students seeking admission to academies and high schools. By the following decade, the exams had become a standard for high school graduation and admission to college. The range of subjects covered by the exams expanded and, by 1925, covered 68 different subjects. Nevertheless, efforts were also made to limit the complexity and expense of the system. Thus, exams in beginning levels of foreign languages were eliminated in the early 20th century and, in 1927, one-third of the exams were discontinued. By the late 1930s, the exams had become comprehensive tests intended to measure overall accomplishment in particular subjects. In 1996, the Regents designated the exams as the general testing standard for high school graduation.

The Office of State Assessment (part of the Office of Standards, Assessment and Reporting of the Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education) is responsible for developing these exams.