(May 24, 2006) -- CA's High School exit exam, suspended by a Bay Area trial court judge on May 12, has effectively been reinstated by the CA Supreme Court.
Responding to the decision (which sends the case to a Court of Appeal), LBUSD spokesman Chris Eftychiou said, "We're pleased that we can move forward with our graduations as planned...Our schools have worked hard to provide every opportunity so that students can clear this hurdle."
In Sacramento, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell issued a release stating, "I am extremely pleased that the Supreme Court has reinstated the California High School Exit Exam as a condition for graduation. As a result, school districts can continue their graduation exercises as planned before this litigation began." He continued, "Students who have worked hard to pass this exam will be given a diploma that signifies their mastery of essential skills in reading and math. I hope that this decision will give students in the class of 2006, their parents, and their schools certainty."
O'Connell added, "We will not give up on the students who are still struggling to pass. They will continue to be given every option to master those skills they will need in order to succeed beyond high school. They may attend summer school, before and after school tutoring, remedial courses, and continue taking the exam until they pass. And for students in the class of 2006 who have not yet passed, schools and school districts are responsible for working with them to find an educational path that will help them master those skills."
Additional coverage at: Reuters: CA High Schools Must Pass Exit Exam.