This week’s question:”Do you think the high-school exit exam, which is a 10th-grade level  test, should be more difficult given that it’s a graduation requirement?”

Katie Montemayor, 17, Glendora High School
“I really do agree. Having taken the exit exam, I felt like it covered material that was below what the requirements are. I also think that because it is given in 10th-grade it is not an accurate portrayal of what was learned later in high school, specifically junior year, which to most colleges is the most important.”

Derek Klena, 16, South Hills High School
“I feel that the high-school exit exam does not need to be harder. Even though the majority of students pass the test the first time, there are still students who struggle. I think the true indicator of whether a student is ready to graduate or not should not depend solely on a test, but rather their achievement in the classroom with passing grades.”

Taylor Moncrief, 15, Diamond Bar High School
“The high school exit exam is perfect at a 10th-grade level. It is easy enough to ensure that people who have worked hard throughout high school will graduate. It is also easy enough for most struggling students to graduate as well.”

Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School
“No, I do not think the high-school exit exam should be more difficult. Students take different courses in the 11th and 12th grade year than they do 9th and 10th. For example, many students do not even take a math course senior year because it is not a graduation requirement. The exit exam should only
be as difficult as the courses required to graduate. If the exit exam is altered to become difficult, the graduation requirements and courses needed should taught at the difficult level as well in preparation of the exit exam.”

Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School
“I think that the California High School Exit Exam should be harder and taken at the 12th-grade level. This test that California schools use to
judge a student’s ability in math and English should be taken at a 12th-grade level so that it will provide an accurate view of what the
students have learned and accomplished during their time in high
school. Being a harder test will better prepare students for the
challenges ahead in college.”

Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School
“I think the exit exam should not be harder because high school students
already have enough tests. Also, if the test is more difficult, more
students will fail it the first time and they will have to spend more
time studying for  the exit exam. As a result, they will take time away
from other academic subjects. I think students should be judged for
their overall academic achievements.”