FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2015
CONTACT: Bill Bird @ 916-651-4029
Educational Accountability Takes a Hit in the State Senate
SACRAMENTO: The State Senate yesterday took a step backwards in educational accountability, with the majority party voting to eliminate California’s high school exit exam (CAHSEE). SB 172 (D-Liu) passed on a 23-13 vote, with no Republicans voting yes.
The CAHSEE was implemented in 1999 as a means of ensuring students had grasped the educational basics before graduating. SB 172 would eliminate the CAHSEE – ostensibly because it’s out of alignment with Common Core standards – and set up an advisory panel to provide recommendations on how to update the test. However, eliminating the test with nothing to replace it is hasty and will result in students graduating from high school without knowing that they are properly prepared for college and a career. Continue reading