O'Connell offers exit exam options

oconnellexit062: Jack O'Connell
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell provides information about the California High School Exit Exam with ( l to r) Kern High School District Superintendent Don Carter and Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider lending their support.
After a three-day weekend and three days before most Kern County high school seniors would take their graduation walk, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell could not be found in his Sacramento office. It was May 30, and O'Connell was on the road, stopping first in Bakersfield and later in Fresno, to deliver a message to all California high school seniors, "We remain focused on making certain every student has every opportunity to prepare for and pass the California Exit Exam (CAHSEE)."

O'Connell made Bakersfield his first stop on a statewide tour to discuss the status of CAHSEE and to help students who have yet to pass the exam. His visit came just days after the State Supreme Court upheld the validity of requiring California high school students to pass the Exit Exam in order to graduate with the class of 2006. Commenting on what lies ahead O'Connell said, "Later this summer, we look forward to arguing the merits of the exam before the Court of Appeal. I am confident that the Exit Exam will remain in effect for the Class of 2006, the Class of 2007 and beyond, because the exam is helping create a better future for our students and our state."

Joining the forum in support of O'Connell and the Exit Exam were Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider, Kern High School District Superintendent Don Carter and Ridgeview High School Principal Bill Jones.

"Certainly the Exit Exam isn't universally popular and the recent court rulings have created significant frustration and confusion for students, educators and parents," Reider said. "Hopefully, this confusion won't be repeated for future graduating classes. And despite the uncertainty, disruption and chaos that has taken place over the last two weeks, the bottom line is students are passing the exam. And more will continue to pass, and more opportunities for students to pass the exam will be given."

The message from all the educational leaders was that there is help on the way for those students who did not pass or are having trouble passing the Exit Exam. O'Connell pointed out a bill before the State Legislature would fund administration of an additional CAHSEE the last week of July, providing students with an extra chance to take it this year. The State Superintendent said he was confident it would become law. He also encouraged those who failed to pass the test and graduate with their class to seek out adult education and summer school programs which will focus on helping them pass the exam and earn their diploma.

O'Connell authored the Exit Exam and before moving on to Fresno defended the need to make sure it remains a requirement in California education.

"Maintaining this exam is critical to holding California schools accountable," O'Connell said. "It has led to more focus and more services for students who were most at-risk of falling behind and dropping out. I am pleased to see so many of these students work harder than they would have otherwise, and stay focused until they pass this exam. Without those essential skills in English and math, they'll face a very rough road ahead. With them, they will be equipped not only to survive in our competitive global economy but to thrive."


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