Class Of 2007 Can Graduate Without Passing Exit Exam
By Dave
Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
October 9, 2006
SACRAMENTO,
CALIFORNIA--On September 29, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed
into law a measure that will allow current high school students with
disabilities to graduate next spring without passing the otherwise mandatory
California High School Exit Exam.
Senate Bill 267 extends last year's exemption that allowed more than
20,000 students receiving special education services, who completed all
graduation requirements, to receive a diploma without having to pass the test.
The exemption came about as part of an August 2005 settlement of a
class-action discrimination lawsuit. The non-profit legal firm Disability
Rights Advocates had sued the California Department of Education in 2002,
claiming that the exam unfairly discriminated against students with
disabilities. Under the settlement, the Department agreed to exempt from the
exam seniors with disabilities who had met certain conditions and were
scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2006.
Education officials told the Press-Enterprise that all future high
school seniors should assume they will have to pass the exam, unless if similar
exemptions are put in place or the state comes up with an alternative test for
students with disabilities.
Related:
"Exam exemption extended for pupils with disabilities"
(Press-Enterprise)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/06/red/1009b.htm
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