State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson
Calls for Action to Assist Students Affected by the Cancellation of the July California High School Exit Exam
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today called the University of California and California State University systems and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities to ask for their assistance in helping students who are being denied entrance into college solely because they have not passed the state high school exit exam.
"No student's dream of a college education should be delayed because of an anomaly," Torlakson said. "That's why I am working closely with college administrators and the Legislature to remedy the situation and help these students stay on track for college."
The California Department of Education is working with the Legislature to pass legislation that would suspend the exit exam requirement for the next three years because the exam does not reflect the new state academic standards being taught in schools. Senate Bill 172 has been making its way through the legislative process all year, and if it is approved and signed, students can then get a diploma without passing the exit exam.
With the legislation to suspend the California High School Exit Exam progressing, the $11 million-a-year contract to administer the test was not renewed, and therefore the July exam was not offered as in past years.
"No student's dream of a college education should be delayed because of an anomaly," Torlakson said. "That's why I am working closely with college administrators and the Legislature to remedy the situation and help these students stay on track for college."
The California Department of Education is working with the Legislature to pass legislation that would suspend the exit exam requirement for the next three years because the exam does not reflect the new state academic standards being taught in schools. Senate Bill 172 has been making its way through the legislative process all year, and if it is approved and signed, students can then get a diploma without passing the exit exam.
With the legislation to suspend the California High School Exit Exam progressing, the $11 million-a-year contract to administer the test was not renewed, and therefore the July exam was not offered as in past years.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100