Seniors who fail the CAHSEE won’t earn a diploma this year, but
may be able to participate in graduation ceremonies
Gilroy – Whether students who don’t pass the exit exam should still have the chance to don a cap and gown this Spring was the topic of conversation during Thursday’s board meeting.
Although students who fail to pass the California High School Exit Exam will not receive their diploma, the state has given local school districts the power to make decisions such as participation in graduation ceremonies and the awarding of special certificates.
The decision is a sensitive one, given that an estimated 178 seniors from Gilroy and Mt. Madonna high schools are in danger of failing the test, according to the latest district figures. Results from the November administration of the CAHSEE are scheduled to be released Friday.
“This may be the biggest decision we make this year,” Trustee David McRae said.
Before the Gilroy Unified School District board began discussing the issue amongst themselves, Jacki Horejs talked about the many options the board may approve, the number of seniors still in danger of failing and the various rules and regulations of the exam.
The GUSD assistant superintendent of educational services explained that the board may allow students who don’t pass the CAHSEE but have completed all credits required, to participate in graduation ceremonies and/or award them a certificate of completion.
The board may also consider a partnership with Gavilan College to create “second-chance diploma” opportunities, options for fifth-year seniors to take the CAHSEE during summer school, in a continuation setting such as Mt. Madonna High School or through adult education.
In addition, students could be allowed to participate in a summer graduation ceremony, after passing the CAHSEE during the summer, Horejs said.
The San Benito High School District has already approved a new policy allowing students who have completed all required courses but have yet to pass the CAHSEE to participate in the high school graduation. The students will receive a special certificate but no diploma.
Horejs also explained that special education students with individual learning plans designating that their best option is to seek a certificate of completion, do not have to take the CAHSEE. Special education students on the diploma track are allowed to take the CAHSEE with modifications.
The class of 2006 is the first group of students required to pass the CAHSEE in order to graduate. The legislation was enacted by the state in 1999 and was initially going to effect the class of 2004 but because such a high number of students were failing the test, in 2003 the California Department of Education postponed the requirement.
Students take the CAHSEE, which tests their English and math skills at the eighth grade level, for the first time in the 10th grade. If they fail to pass the first time they have five additional opportunities to take or retake the test in its entirety or just the section they failed.
During Thursday’s board meeting, members asked a variety of questions ranging from how many students are failing the CAHSEE and have not met graduation requirements to why are students passing their classes but not the CAHSEE.
The board will stage a public hearing on CAHSEE options during its regular board meeting Feb. 2 at 7:30pm and will come to a decision at its board meeting on Friday at 7:30pm.
Board meetings usually fall on Thursdays, but the meeting was changed per GUSD board Vice President Tom Bundros’ request. Bundros said he had a long-standing trip planned for Feb. 17 and wanted to be a part of the decision since the issue is so important.
While the debate in Gilroy continues to churn, the state resoundingly came to its own conclusion Friday, that the test is here to stay.
“To those who wanted to abandon all of this effort by doing away with the high school exit exam, I say ‘no,'” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said during Friday’s teleconference. “I’ve concluded that there is, today, no practical alternative to the high school exit exam.”
The state official who authored the CAHSEE legislation in 1999, said the test is a necessary measure of student progress. Too many students were earning their high school diplomas and entering the workforce without the grasp of essential reading, writing and math skills, O’Connell said.
“I really feel we are doing a disservice to students if we become a diploma mill,” he said.
On the CAHSEE
– Number of GUSD seniors who still need to pass the CAHSEE: 178*
Upcoming Meetings:
– Feb. 2: Public hearing at 7:30pm board meeting.
– Feb. 7: Board will attend CAHSEE policy seminar at the Santa Clara County Office of Education
– Feb. 13: Board to make decision at 7:30pm board meeting.
* Numbers are an estimate from district. Results from November administration to be released on Friday.
