Only 7 US states still need graduation exams. Why are more states ditching them?

A growing number of US states are moving away from standardised tests as graduation requirements, citing equity concerns, pandemic setbacks, and questions about their role in measuring readiness.

In Short

• Only seven US states now require graduation exams
• Critics say easing tests lowers academic standards
• Equity and pandemic learning gaps drive policy shifts

Voters in the state of Massachusetts, US, recently decided to eliminate the state's standardised tests as a requirement for high school graduation. This move aligns with a growing trend, as only seven states among the 50 now mandate such exams.

Massachusetts joins the wave of states questioning whether tests like the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) effectively gauge readiness for college or careers.

The decision removes the MCAS as a diploma requirement but retains it for tracking student progress.

WHY ARE PEOPLE DOING AWAY WITH HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMS?

Supporters of the shift argue that high-stakes testing disproportionately affects vulnerable students, including English language learners and those with disabilities.

Approximately 700 Massachusetts seniors annually fail to graduate despite meeting other academic requirements due to these tests.

Governor Maura Healey supported the exams for their uniformity but acknowledged concerns: “We shouldn’t have different expectations for students depending on which zip code they live in.”

On the opposing side, critics like Michael Petrilli of the Fordham Institute warn the decision could lower academic standards.

STATES MOVING AWAY FROM TESTING

At their peak in the mid-2000s, 27 states required graduation exams. Now, only New York, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia retain them.

New York recently proposed phasing out its Regents exam requirements by 2027-28, suggesting alternatives like community service or capstone projects.

Florida and New Jersey have discussed similar moves, though legislative efforts stalled. Meanwhile, Louisiana remains the only state without an appeals process for its testing requirements.

Advocates for removing standardised tests argue that they fail to measure critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Critics, however, see these changes as lowering expectations.

The debate over testing continues, but the trend suggests a growing consensus: readiness for the future may be better measured by broader, more inclusive criteria.