New York state education officials have already begun to weigh the fallout from tougher standardized tests tied to new academic standards after schools and parents complained this week that children ran out of time, collapsed in tears or froze up.

WSJ: State Tests Spark Ire, Analysis

According to my confidential source, the reason is that New York state has steadily lowered the difficulty of its signature Regents Exams, a battery of standardized tests that most non-disabled New York students must pass before accruing a state-certified high school diploma.

FORBES: Are New York City Students Getting Smarter Or Are Regents Exams Getting Easier?