We’re glad to see that even though the state shelved the high
school exit exam until 2006, San Benito High School District
officials have kept the test front and center for its high school
students.
San Benito High School juniors and seniors labored for years to
pass the test, and did so under the threat of not graduating if
they failed either the math or English portion. When the state
board of education backed out on keeping passing grades on both
portions as a graduation requirement, the motivation for students
to take the test seriously could have evaporated.
We’re glad to see that even though the state shelved the high school exit exam until 2006, San Benito High School District officials have kept the test front and center for its high school students.
San Benito High School juniors and seniors labored for years to pass the test, and did so under the threat of not graduating if they failed either the math or English portion. When the state board of education backed out on keeping passing grades on both portions as a graduation requirement, the motivation for students to take the test seriously could have evaporated.
Instead, SBHS and state officials will award certificates of accomplishment to those students who pass the test, and may look into ways to make that certificate a part of students’ transcripts. We hope they are successful in that endeavor.
A decision to keep a focus on the test by continuing to offer special exit exam preparation classes serves another important purpose – it keeps the importance of passing the test a big part of the academic culture at San Benito High School. The focus and continued preparation will remind students and teachers alike that despite the delay, the test will be a requirement for a diploma for members of the class of 2006.
By law, the state board cannot postpone the test another time, so 2006 is set in stone.
It’s a wise decision to keep passing the high school exit exam an important goal for students and teachers at the high school.
Another benefit of emphasizing passage of the high school exit exam is improved evaluations of San Benito High School’s performance. Students’ scores on the exam are part of the evaluation of the Adequate Yearly Progress report of the federal No-Child Left Behind Act.
Continuing to emphasize the exit exam is a wise decision all around. Kudos to administrators for continuing to make improving academic excellence and fostering academic performance high priorities at San Benito High School.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
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