Governor intends to veto any agreement to eliminate CAHSEE
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued a statement commending Governor Schwarzenegger's stated intention to veto any budget agreement that would eliminate the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) as a condition of graduation:
"Governor Schwarzenegger has been a committed advocate for high expectations for all students in California. I applaud him for pledging to oppose any budget plan that would to do away with the CAHSEE as a condition of graduation for our students. The exit exam requirement is a cornerstone of our high school accountability reforms, and I share the Governor's view that its elimination would be a massive step backward for our K-12 public education system. We cannot allow this budget crisis to become an excuse to skirt our responsibility to ensure that all students graduate with at least the minimum level of skills that will help them to survive in the increasingly competitive global economy. I will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to reach a budget resolution that protects education and maintains our commitment to improving student achievement and closing the achievement gap."
I dont agree with this use of funding. If we want to improve the education our children receive here in California we need to examine the ciriculum- how our teachers stimulate their students and develop positive learning environments. Parents need to take an active role in their children's education as well. Public school is not free daycare. Youth earn grades which should be representative of their progress. Teachers decide whether a student's level of work earns he/she a specific letter grade. Are the teachers no longer qualified to determ whether a student is passing? If not why are they grading them at all? Standardized testing- better known to children as bubble testing is another example of poor spending. These exams should be a rating of the education system- not our children. We are limited in resources- financial and environmental. We need to reconsider how we are using money and if there really is a pay off. Seems to me, if so many students pass on their first attempt, that they were most likely passing their classes as well. Those who arent passing and need additional help- might also need additional help passing their classes- seems like we might be able to skip the testing and help at ground level???