Free Preview: lessons 1 to 3 of every course and extra, in every grade. No account, no ads. See this year’s offers
Goal100™LEARNING

← Families · Grades 3-8 · Regents · English learners · Students with disabilities · Sample report · Sources

State test results for every student

Every student in New York takes part in state testing, in the way that fits them: the same tests, the same tests with accommodations, or an alternate test. Here is how results work for every learner, including English language learners and students with disabilities (IEP or 504 plan).

General information, not legal advice. Rules can change, and graduation rules in New York are being reviewed. Your school counselor and NYSED are the official word. Checked November 8, 2026.

Grades 3-8 tests1 2 3 4Level 3 or 4 =proficient Regents exams65+score out of 100;65 passes English test (ELLs)5 English levels,top = Commanding Three kinds of results. Each one answers a different question.
In 10 seconds: grades 3-8 tests give a level, Regents give a score, and the English test gives an English level.

Grades 3-8 ELA, math and science

The scale score

The main number on the report. It is not a percent. Each grade and subject has its own scale, set by NYSED.

The level (1 to 4)

  • Level 4 excels in the grade's standards
  • Level 3 proficient: meets the standards
  • Level 2 partially proficient
  • Level 1 not yet proficient

“Proficient” means Level 3 or Level 4.

Grade 6 score ranges, a drawn sample report and a score checker: How to read your child's NYS test score report.

Regents exam scores (high school)

Regents exams are scored on a scale up to 100. Under today's rules, 65 or higher passes. Some students have other options for some scores. These are the options NYSED lists today:

ScoreWhoWhat NYSED's rules say today
65-100Every studentPassing score on the Regents exam.
60-64Every studentA student may appeal a score of 60-64 on up to two Regents exams (other conditions apply). One granted appeal can still lead to a Regents diploma; two lead to a local diploma.
55-64Students with disabilities*Safety net: a score of 55-64 on required Regents exams can count toward a local diploma.
45-54Students with disabilities*Compensatory safety net: a 65 or higher on another required Regents exam can make up for a 45-54 score (not on ELA or math). ELA and math must each be at least 55 (or an approved appeal of 52-54), the student must pass the course, and have satisfactory attendance. One 65+ score can make up for only one 45-54 score.
Under 55 (up to 5 exams)Students with an IEP onlySuperintendent determination: after a written request from the parent, the superintendent may decide the student has met the standards for a local diploma. The student must have earned the 22 credits and passed the required courses; if ELA or math is under 55, the student must meet the CDOS credential requirements.

* NYSED's February 2024 chart lists: students with a current IEP, students with a Section 504 plan (if documented on the plan), and students declassified from special education in grades 8-12 (for the compensatory option, if recommended and documented by the CSE).

Regents score explainer

Type a made-up score to see which of today's rules talk about it. This is not a decision: the school counselor checks every rule.

Runs only in your browser. Nothing is sent or saved.

What may change (NY Inspires). NYSED's Graduation Measures FAQ says the current credit and exam requirements stay in effect for all high school students until the Board of Regents approves changes. Regents exams will still be given. Under the proposal, students in the cohorts that start grade 9 in 2024, 2025 and 2026 would still take Regents exams but would not have to pass them to earn a diploma, and NYSED plans one diploma starting fall 2027. None of the proposed changes are final until the Board of Regents approves them. Details and a class-year finder: Regents exams and graduation.

English language learners (ELLs)

New in 2026-27 NYSED says the last NYSESLAT was in spring 2026. The first WIDA ACCESS for ELLs (and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs with the most significant cognitive disabilities) is in spring 2027. The NYSITELL entry test continues until the WIDA Screener replaces it in fall 2027.

The 5 English levels (NYSESLAT, through spring 2026)

  1. Entering
  2. Emerging
  3. Transitioning
  4. Expanding
  5. Commanding (English proficient)

The level decides how many minutes of ENL a student gets the next year. Full details: ENL family guide.

Leaving ELL status (NYSED's exit rules)

  • Any grade K-12: Commanding on the NYSESLAT, or
  • Grades 3-8: Expanding on the NYSESLAT and Level 3 or higher on the NYS ELA test, in the same school year, or
  • Grades 9-12: Expanding on the NYSESLAT and 65 or higher on the Regents Exam in English, in the same school year.

These rules are written for the NYSESLAT. With WIDA ACCESS starting in 2027, ask your school which exit scores NYSED uses for the new test.

Students with disabilities (IEP or 504 plan)

Same tests, with accommodations

Most students with disabilities take the same state tests as their classmates, with the testing accommodations written in their IEP or 504 plan. Accommodations change how a test is taken, not what it measures. See Testing accommodations.

The alternate test (NYSAA)

NYSED says only students with the most severe cognitive disabilities take the NYSAA, and the CSE decides. It covers ELA and math in grades 3-8 and once in high school, and science in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school.

Credentials

  • CDOS Commencement Credential: shows readiness for entry-level work (CTE coursework with at least 54 hours of work-based learning and an employability profile, or an approved work-readiness assessment). It can go with a diploma or, for a student who cannot meet diploma rules, be earned on its own.
  • Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential: for students assessed on the NYSAA. It is not a regular diploma; a student under 21 may keep attending school tuition-free until earning a diploma or the end of the school year they turn 21.

More on IEPs, 504 plans and diplomas: Special education family guide · IEP and 504 meeting guide.

Reading a results summary: a drawn sample

High schools often show state results on a transcript or a summary from the counselor. This is a sample we drew with made-up scores. Match the numbers with the boxes under it.

SAMPLE HIGH SCHOOL · STATE TEST SUMMARY Student A · Grade 10 · printed June 2027 Illustration made by Goal100. Not a real form. REGENTS EXAMINATIONS ExamDateScoreNote Algebra IJun 202672Passed (65+) Life Science: BiologyJun 20276260-64: ask about appeal English Language ArtsJan 202757Retake Jun 2027 1 2 TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS ON FILE Plan: 504 plan · Extended time · Separate location Safety net documented on plan: Yes 3 DIPLOMA CHECK (current rules) Credits earned: 11 of 22 Regents at 65+: 1 · In the 55-64 safety net range: 2 Next step: counselor meeting in September 4 Grades 3-8 results come on a separate report. 5

On a phone, swipe the picture sideways to see all of it.

  1. Score. The scale score, up to 100. 72 is 65 or higher, so it passes: 72 − 65 = 7 points over.
  2. 60-64. 62 is in the appeal range: 65 − 62 = 3 points short. Any student may appeal up to two exams in this range if the other conditions are met. Ask the counselor.
  3. Accommodations and plan. This made-up student has a 504 plan with the safety net documented, so 55-64 scores can count toward a local diploma.
  4. Diploma check. 11 of 22 credits: 22 − 11 = 11 credits left, about 5.5 a year for 2 years (11 ÷ 2 = 5.5).
  5. Grades 3-8 results. These come on a separate report. NYSED's sample report says grades 3-8 results are for diagnostic purposes.

Questions to ask the teacher or counselor

Check marks stay only on this device.

Questions people ask

Do students with disabilities take the same state tests?

Most do, with the accommodations in their IEP or 504 plan. Only students with the most severe cognitive disabilities take the NYSAA, as decided by the CSE.

Is the NYSESLAT still given?

No. NYSED says the last NYSESLAT was in spring 2026. Starting spring 2027, ELLs take WIDA ACCESS for ELLs (or Alternate ACCESS).

Are Regents exams going away?

No. NYSED says Regents exams will still be given. The proposal under review changes whether passing them is required for a diploma, and it is not final.

Is a 504 plan enough for the safety net?

NYSED's February 2024 chart lists students with a Section 504 plan “if documented on the plan.” The superintendent determination option is for students with an IEP only.

Official sources

Rules can change. If a link and this page ever disagree, the official page wins.