Students likely to take exit exam multiple times
MALIBU CITY HALL — Students who have met all other graduation requirements, but have failed the state-mandated high school exit exam, will likely be able to walk with their classmates in June.
The board of education for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District decided on Thursday the high school students — which could number as many as 72 — will be able to walk with their classmates during the 2006 graduation ceremony.
“I firmly believe it doesn’t serve these students well to deny them the opportunity to participate in the ceremony,” said John Deasy, superintendent.
Instead of being listed as ‘graduates’ in the class program, however, the students will likely have some other designation, such as ‘diploma candidates.’
They will receive a certificate of attendance which recognizes them for meeting all local requirements.
The move is seen as a positive one by officials concerned about a state requirement which forbids this year’s seniors who fail the California High School Exit Examination from receiving their high school diploma.
While details need to be finalized, consensus among board members was that the students in question should be able to participate in the graduation ceremony. If they have met all other graduation requirements, but for one reason or another haven’t passed the exam, not recognizing them for their years of effort would seem unfair, officials determined.
Some of the students have learning disabilities and will likely never pass the exam, according to Donna Muncey, the district’s director of educational services. As a result, the state will allow these special education students to receive test waivers.
However, other students are within a few points of passing the exam, but regardless of how many times they take it, may never succeed, Muncey said.
Officials agreed that prohibiting the students from walking with their classmates may be harmful to their self-esteem.
In addition, the students may qualify for a high school equivalency certificate, but until they receive it they are technically dropouts, Muncey said, because they failed to graduate by the state’s standards.
Providing the students with the certificate of attendance may keep opportunities for jobs and higher education open to them, said school board member Oscar de la Torre.
Once the board agreed the students should be able to walk, questions were raised about what “minimum” effort was needed to show they tried passing the exam.
Current seniors first took the exit exam in March or May of 2004. Those who did not pass both sections then had two additional opportunities to take the test last year and will have three opportunities this year, a staff report said. There also have been several intervention programs put into place to help students pass the test. The state has provided each 10th grade student with a test study guide. Students also take a pre-test in ninth and 10th grades which targets them for intervention if needed, the staff report said.
“I wouldn’t try to rate effort,” Deasy said. “Obviously, most students are trying to pass more than once.”
School board officials, however, want documented proof that efforts to pass the exam are being made.
“I support the intention, but I believe it’s important to have a policy that encourages multiple attempts,” said Shane McLoud, board member. “I am more comfortable with a minimum number of attempts.”
Board members argued that it may dilute the value of attaining a high school diploma if students could take the exam once, then give up. The board agreed three attempts might be appropriate — once a year from the time a student is a sophomore.
Staff said it would consider the options and return to the board for final approval in coming weeks.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 7, 2006. Read the original PDF.