With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
California lawmakers approve measure fixing high school exit exam error
Listen
• 0:50
File photo: California senators approved a measure that would fix a problem which had kept 5,000 seniors in the Class of 2015 from taking the high school exit exam and graduating.
(
Crystal Marie Lopez/Flickr
)
A measure is on its way to Gov. Jerry Brown that would free about 5,000 seniors from graduation limbo after state officials canceled the high school exit exam students were scheduled to take in July.
The bill fixes a mistake made by state education officials.
California lawmakers suspended the 15-year-old California High School Exit Exam requirement, beginning with graduating seniors in the class of 2016 because the test no longer aligns with new learning standards known as the Common Core.
Some seniors from the class of 2015, however, thought they would take the exit exam this summer. The test was the last thing the students needed to graduate and earn a diploma.
Support for LAist comes from
Rather than renew a contract with the company running the exit exams, officials canceled the July exam.
“We’ve been hearing from school districts and individual students across the state of California,” said Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell who represents the Long Beach-area. “Students are finding themselves in dire straits.”
O’Donnell authored the Assembly bill that passed the Senate Monday correcting the bureaucratic error by retroactively suspending the exit exam requirement for the class of 2015.
The graduation glitch won’t be a problem for any of the 5,000 seniors seeking admission as freshmen to a California State University campus.
“We have asked the admissions offices at all 23 CSU campuses to be flexible in the final evaluation of new freshmen who might not have received their graduation date on final transcripts,” said Loren Blanchard, CSU executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.
“California high school graduates who aspire to enroll at a CSU campus and meet all other requirements for admission to the CSU will not be turned away because of the decision to cancel the exam,” the vice chancellor said.
A spokeswoman for the University of California Office of the President said its nine undergraduate campuses did not report any problems as a result of the exit exam graduation error.
Support for LAist comes from
While the exit exam is suspended for three years, lawmakers will decide whether to overhaul the test or do away with it completely. O’Donnell doesn’t think the state should get rid of the exam, one of several required before graduation.
“I think it's proven to ensure that all students have a basic set of skills before they exit high school and enter the workplace,” he said.
Some California lawmakers have criticized the suspension of the exit exam. They worry there won’t be a way to test whether students are learning basic skills before they graduate.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist