Public Information - Press Release

 

Garden Grove Unified School District juniors and seniors will not be excused from taking the California High School Exit Exam.

At its regular meeting of Tuesday, Aug. 19, the GGUSD Board of Education accepted recommendations presented by Peggy Mahfood, assistant superintendent for secondary education, for the district to administer and score the exit exam to students in the classes of 2004 and 2005 who have yet to pass one or both sections of the exam. For the next two years, graduating seniors who pass the HSEE will receive a special seal on their diplomas or be presented with a special certificate from the district.

"We want to convey a positive message to the juniors and seniors," explained Supt. Laura Schwalm. "There is a reward for working hard in class and passing the exit examination. Our teachers, as well, have been just as dedicated in preparing the students for this new requirement.

"The district desires to maintain high standards, accountability, and academic growth. Our community has been very supportive of our efforts to raise academic expectations for students and this decision is consistent with those efforts."

Passage of the exam was to become a condition for earning a high school diploma starting with the class of 2004. Last month, however, the state Board of Education voted 9-0 to postpone the requirement to the class of 2006, or incoming sophomores.

The state board's decision was based on findings of an independent report conducted last spring. The study found that although the test was a major factor in improving standards-based instruction and learning, many students still lacked sufficient time to master the subject matter on the test. By putting off the implementation date, state officials maintain more California high schools will align courses to the standards covered in the exam.

With its action to delay consequences, the state Board of Education will allow local school districts to award special certificates of accomplishment to students in the classes of 2004 and 2005 who passed both portions of the exit exam, which tests English-language arts and mathematics. The exit exam logo will also be available for districts that prefer to develop a seal as a means of recognizing those students who pass the test.

The state board also gave permission for districts to administer and score a secured version of the exam to students in the classes of 2004 and 2005 who want to pass the test and receive recognition at graduation. School districts are prohibited from using the exit exam as a graduation requirement for these two classes.
A new copy of the exit exam will be released by the state for use by local districts in October. The test will be given to those juniors and seniors who need to pass either exam section or both.

Parents of juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to have their son or daughter excused from taking the exam. Parents will be asked to meet with the principal before submitting an exemption request. The district, nonetheless, encourages students in the classes of 2004 and 2005 to take the exam because of the recognition they are eligible to earn.

The GGUSD will continue to provide interventions for students needing to fortify academic skills for the exam. The standards-based programs will be provided during the school day, after school, on Saturdays, and in summer school.

The Garden Grove Unified School District serves most of Garden Grove and portions of Santa Ana, Anaheim, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Stanton and Cypress.

PR #280

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