“States at the center of the exit exam controversy are those now beginning to withhold diplomas, and they are trying to help struggling students without weakening the integrity and purpose of the assessments,” Jennings says.
Most recently, Arizona, Maryland and Washington have created alternate routes for students hoping to earn a diploma, but struggling with passing exit exams. The states have given students the option to substitute scores from standardized college admissions exams like the SAT and ACT; take a different assessment; pursue a waiver or appeals process; receive exam credit utilizing course grades; or use another proof of proficiency.
California, however, permits no alternatives for its general education students, arguing that greater pliancy could diminish the objective of the exams.
“Alternatives to the state exit exams offer a way for otherwise qualified students to demonstrate their competence, even if they are not good test-takers. One size does not fit all,” says Robert Shaeffer of FairTest.
— By Lelita L. Cannon
Reader comments on this story: There are currently no reader comments on this story.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
