CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM (“CHSEE”) GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ARE EMBARRASSING

To me the graduation requirements (let alone the pass rates) were surprising. One might argue that with our extremely high inflow of immigrants, some compromises had to be made in order to ensure that no kids were left behind. Please see the 2002 pass rates detailed below to see if the numbers indicate this to be the case. [The most recent pass rates are similar.] Are we really leaving no kids behind?

CHSEE Graduation Requirements:

Language Arts Content

The language arts test is 70% multiple-choice reading items, which cover the grades 8-10 state standards. There will also be two written responses (30%) covering 9-10 grades standards.

Math Content

The math test is all multiple-choice items and no calculators are allowed. Formulas will not be provided except for conversions between systems. Seventy-five percent of the items are word problems. The test is based upon math standards for grades 6-8.

[ONE CAN PASS THIS EXAM WITHOUT KNOWING ANY HIGH SCHOOL MATH? WHO CREATED THESE RULES?]

For more information please see the State Department of Education's web site.

2002 Pass Rates:

African American [60 percent for language arts and 31 percent for math]
Asian [82 percent for language arts and 78 percent for math]
English Learners [43 percent for language arts and 27 percent for math]
Latino [59 percent for language arts and 34 percent for math]
Special Education [31 percent for language arts and 16 percent for math]
White [85 percent for language arts and 69 percent for math]

Quite frankly, all of these numbers are an embarrassment (except for special education?), given that the test requires no more than a 10th grade level of proficiency (at the top end). As a poor child myself, with very little parental supervision (and zero fatherly input), I was able to overcome despite these "hardships." That being said, I do have empathy for the poor inner city kids that are struggling to find their own path (and hope).

The foundation for my success was my "fortunate" ability to get into Boston University. Without this opportunity my life would have been vastly different. I met my wife at Boston University, and really it was this relationship that showed me that things could be different. Specifically, that my childhood, notwithstanding its undeniable impact on my entire life, was not an indicator of things to come. I am truly blessed to have her in my life, as her love is truly unwavering. Happy "secret" anniversary honey.

From there, I went on to law school . . . made a little money (just a little) . . . and had a beautiful daughter. How things have changed. And education was the start of it all!