Ask an Expert: Jim Cox and Pat Puleo
Measuring Up: A Parent's Guide to Testing, Grades, and Assessments

My 17-year-old daughter could graduate from high school early, with all requirements completed, except that she's failed her written proficiency test twice. After my repeated phone calls, the principal finally told me she can get tutoring help. But he also told me that if she doesn't pass it this next time, she'll need to go to an adult education program to get her G.E.D. I've tried to talk to counselors at her school, but they haven't answered my calls. Shouldn't the school do more to help my daughter and others like her?

Each district sets high school graduation requirements that include the state as well as any local requirements. These should be made clear to all students, who can begin taking high school exit exams as early as their sophomore year.

First, double-check with the school to see if the administration posted, announced, or broadcast information about tutorials and afterschool intervention programs. Ask how and when they communicate this information to the students. Most schools do offer help when students aren't passing. The staff may have offered this kind of help in a blanket announcement that your daughter simply missed.

If you do not get satisfactory answers, you should meet directly with the district's superintendent and the school principal to review your concerns. You should particularly emphasize the lack of response you received from counselors and others. As a last resort, go to the open session of any district school board meeting to voice your concerns about how your daughter's situation was handled. To be most effective, be able to demonstrate if the school notification system was unclear or non-existent.

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