Irma Lemus
BURBANK -- As state legislators propose to make this year's High
School Exit Exam a practice exam, the change is not expected to affect
Burbank students.
The original plan called for California students in the Class of 2004
-- this year's ninth-graders -- to take the exam on a voluntary basis in
the spring. Students will be required to take the exam beginning in the
10th grade.
Fearing that students may not be prepared for the high-stakes exam,
the State Board of Education proposed last month to make this year's exam
a practice exam.
If Gov. Gray Davis mandates the exam be a practice effort, students
will be able to learn what will be expected of them, said Lily Roberts,
with the California Department of Education. She said students will be
mailed exam results, detailing their weak points.
"We don't want students to miss an opportunity to take a practice
exam. It's like taking the Pre-SATs it really helps," she said.
In Burbank, this year's exam is a requirement for ninth-graders.
Unlike many other districts throughout the state, Burbank Unified made
this year's test a requirement in November to better prepare students.
"It just doesn't make sense for students to take this exam in the 10th
grade and just pass it. They really need to be informed on what to
expect," said Caroline Brumm, district coordinator of student and program
evaluation.
The High School Exit Exam was passed into law in 1999. The exam
requires that California students demonstrate a minimum level of
knowledge in a variety of subjects in order to receive a high school
diploma.
According to state law, students must begin taking the exam in the
10th grade, and may take it up to three times a year until they pass it.
If students do not pass the exam, remediation workshops and additional
assistance is given to students.
