The Virtual Library:
High School Exit Exams

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Official California Department of Education site for the high school exit exam: data, backgrounders, research reports.

Higher Goals For Exit Exams: California Cheats Its Students By Expecting Too Little: In this article, former governor Pete Wilson and standards expert Bill Evers show that designing the exit exam is a careful balancing act. If the exam is too easy, this sends a signal to teachers and students that low levels of achievement are okay. If the exam is too tough, many students won't graduate. The challenge then is to find a balance between the two. They argue that this balance will help ensure that a high school diploma in California means something.

Have No Fear of Exit Exam: Wonder what's good about the graduation exam? In this article, Gary Hart says that the exit exam will provide focus. Students will no longer be able to just get by. Teachers, parents, and even districts will mobilize to help students reach this new standard. This article looks at the positive, but often overlooked, potential of the high school exam.