Originally published October 15 2005
One fifth of California high school seniors fail the state's graduation exam
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A study by the Human Resources Research Organization in Virginia shows that the graduation exam (without which, high school students can not receive a diploma) is unfairly marginalizing remedial students as well as student who are learning English as a second language.
The exit exam --- which has come under criticism by some educators, legislators and civil rights advocates --- is geared to an eighth-grade level in math and to ninth- and 10th-grade levels in English.
But the report by the Virginia-based Human Resources Research Organization showed that tens of thousands of students, particularly those in special education and others who speak English as a second language, may fail the test by the end of their senior year despite remedial classes, after-school tutoring and other academic help.
Teachers, according to the report, said that many students arrive unprepared and unmotivated for their high school courses and that their grades often reflect poor attendance and low parental involvement.
The state, for example, could allow seniors to submit portfolios of work that demonstrate mastery of English and math, the report's authors suggested.
The report also proposed that schools allow students to spend an extra year in high school or earn diplomas by completing special summer school programs in lieu of the exam.
Additionally, the state could establish alternate diplomas or graduation certificates for students who pass part of the exit exam, the group said.
But California's superintendent of public instruction, Jack O'Connell, said he opposes any change that would diminish the worth of a high school diploma.
A bill recently approved by the Legislature, which sought to settle a special education lawsuit, would delay the requirement for another two years for many students with disabilities.
"No matter what happens, I'm going to college because I need college to further my education," she said.
They called for Schwarzenegger to sign another bill that would allow schools districts the freedom to evaluate students through alternative assessments such as portfolios of work.
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