[sheana]

I heard somewhere that the high school exit exam actually tests 8th grade proficiency in these subjects.
Even if that is not true I have no sympathy for these students. You should know this stuff to graduate.......period.

[hauerf]

"I heard somewhere that the high school exit exam actually tests 8th grade proficiency in these subjects."

Actually the tests require 8th to 10th grade skills in math and English. Way tougher than you heard, eh? That's why we're proud to say, "We're California. Our high school graduates have basic skills of at least 8th to 10th graders."

I've got to note that I am awestruck by the admission standards of the colleges the non-graduates will be attending. Remedial math and English classes must be strong points of their curricula.

[newzjunkey]

8th grade math and 10th grade English skill is what the exam tests. Keep in mind the exam can be taken as many times as you need to pass. I have zero sympathy for these whiners.

The ability to get on honor roll without such skill is a horrible bell weather:

...Both girls captured a spot on the honor roll. Both plan to attend college. Both dream of entering medicine... Valenzuela for nursing.

Newsflash to Valenzuela: if she's not a Filipina she might as well not bother with nursing in CA.