SACRAMENTO – Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 830 authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), repealing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).
“Since the implementation of the state’s high school exit exam, California has adopted new and rigorous standards, implemented new assessments and applied an improved accountability framework to better prepare students for college and career-readiness in the 21st century,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “I am proud that Governor Brown has signed AB 830 into law, recognizing that the CAHSEE is outdated and incompatible within these new standards, and has for years held back tens of thousands of otherwise-qualified students from graduating each year.”
Assemblymember Kalra introduced the bill in response to a recommendation from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, in light of the fact that California’s new accountability and continuous improvement system has significantly changed how the state provides resources to public schools and holds Local Educational Agencies accountable for improving student performance, including college and career readiness.
AB 830 also maintains the requirement that school districts continue to grant students high school diplomas if the student meets all state and locally-required coursework other than the passage of the high school exit exam, or completed 12th grade between the 2004 through the 2015 school year under the same criteria.
“I want to thank Assemblymember Kalra and everyone else who supported this bill to remove an outdated and unnecessary exam,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, who started his public service career as a high school science teacher and coach. “California education is moving forward. Our schools are implementing modern learning standards, online testing, updated curriculum and so many other important changes to prepare our students for success in 21st century careers and college.”
AB 830 is sponsored by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and has no opposition.
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California Eliminates High School Exit Exam, Bill by Assemblymember Ash Kalra Signed Into Law