Linky
Quote:
In what could become the first school-based rebellion against the state's high-stakes high school exit exam law, one of the Bay Area's largest school districts is considering awarding diplomas to seniors who have failed the exam but are otherwise qualified to graduate.
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Statewide, about 48,000 seniors are in the same boat,
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The West Contra Costa situation is the latest public display of frustration over the controversial exam, a seven-hour test of basic math and English given over two days. Students have been taking the exam for nearly five years, but this year's seniors are the first to be denied diplomas for failing.
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Other critics of the exam say its academic bar is set too low because it tests math skills only through eighth-grade level, including basic algebra, and English skills through 10th grade. Students have several opportunities to take the test beginning in 10th grade.
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Statewide, about 48,000 seniors are in the same boat,
...
The West Contra Costa situation is the latest public display of frustration over the controversial exam, a seven-hour test of basic math and English given over two days. Students have been taking the exam for nearly five years, but this year's seniors are the first to be denied diplomas for failing.
...
Other critics of the exam say its academic bar is set too low because it tests math skills only through eighth-grade level, including basic algebra, and English skills through 10th grade. Students have several opportunities to take the test beginning in 10th grade.
So these kids have had at least 2 years to take the test (Junior and Senior years, assuimg they wait until they actually have finished 10th grade English) and they are unable to pass it. They want to slide on with a diploma that indicates that they have knowledge that they don't have.
Sorry you may have impressed a teacher enough to pass the course, but the exam tests your knowledge. Teachers can be lenient on students passing them for their effort.
On the news last night people (predominantly Hispanic and Asian) were protesting they should not be held to the same (all be it low) standard as native English speakers. The test is even at the 10th grade (8th for math) level, so even if English is not your first language, by your Senior year you should have enough understanding of the language to take the test.