For 32 local high school seniors this school year that just ended, the only obstacle between them and a diploma is the high school exit exam.
The California High School Exit Exam is a two-part exam that tests eighth-grade level math and 10th-grade level English skills. By state law, students who fail to pass one or both sections of the exam do not receive a high school diploma regardless of whether they earn enough credits to graduate.
Eight of Ann Sobrato High School's 314 seniors didn't pass one or both tests, and 18 of Live Oak High School's 276 students didn't pass one or both tests, according to results included in the upcoming school trustee's meeting agenda. At Central Continuation High School, six of 39 students didn't pass, according to the same documents.
For the 2008 class, 597 of 629 students passed. That's a 1 percent increase from last year to 95 percent.
Of the 32 students who didn't pass, 16 are English language learners and 19 are special education students. Six students fall in both categories: they are special education students and are learning English.
District Coordinator of Assessment Esther Corral-Carlson said eight of the English language learners have been in the country three years or less.
More students might have a diploma coming their way, said Corral-Carlson. Struggling students had a final chance to take the exam in May. Those results will be available June 26.
Corral-Carlson said the 32 students who didn't pass will receive letters about upcoming test dates - the next one is in July - and information about studying support like tutoring, which she said the district pays for for two years after a struggling student finishes high school.
Students who hadn't yet passed either the English or the math test portions by March couldn't participate in June's graduation ceremonies. Students who pass the test after their high school career is over will receive a diploma within two years of their would-be graduation date, said Corral-Carlson.
Class of 2006 students were the first required to pass the test to receive their diploma, but the test had been in place since 2001.
Students begin taking the exit exam in 10th grade, and have several chances from there on to pass. Once a student passes one of the sections, they don't have to test in that that section again, Corral-Carlson said.
Perhaps a harbinger to a sunny testing future, of the 758 eleventh graders who took the test this year, 91 percent passed in English and 89 percent in math. That's a 10 percent jump in English and a 6 percent jump in math over last year's eleventh graders, according to Corral-Carlson.
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett is the education and city reporter for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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