Regents examinations

Chronological.

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.

The specific tests developed as Regents examinations varied over the years. During the early to mid 20th century, exams were developed for the typical academic subjects (English, mathematics, foreign languages, social sciences, physical sciences) along with such subjects as spelling, bookkeeping, mechanical design, power generation, electricity, music, shorthand, homemaking, architecture, industrial chemistry, commercial chemistry, zoology, geography, business law and ancient history. At present, Regents exams are administered in the English Language Arts; various foreign languages (French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, and Spanish); different levels of Mathematics (Mathematics A and B, and Sequential Mathematics I, II and III); Social Studies (Global History and Geography, and US History and Government); and Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Living Environment, and Physics).

Scanned versions of Regents examinations are available at the New York State Library.

Container list.

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