Tuesday, August 24, 2010

LAUSD SOPHOMORES IMPROVE ON STATE'S HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM + Scores

By Connie Llanos, Staff Writer | Contra Costa Times

08/24/2010 10:29:15 AM PDT -- Nearly two-thirds of Los Angeles Unified sophomores passed the California High School Exit Exam on their first try, up 2 points from last year but well below the statewide average, according to results released today.

The state Department of Education said 62 percent of LAUSD's 10-graders passed both the English and math portions of the test, which is required before they can graduate. That compares with 69 percent of all sophomores statewide who passed CAHSEE on their first attempt.

However, LAUSD's results are a dramatic improvement from the 44 percent of sophomores who passed both tests in 2004, when CAHSEE was first administered.

"Once again, our upward trend in student achievement continues," Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines said in a written statement.

"I want to commend our students, administrators and entire school community for thriving and aspiring despite the numerous obstacles and challenges they faced last year."

Several LAUSD campuses exceeded both the district and state averages, including Polytechnic High in Sun Valley, with an 80 percent success rate among its sophomores.

Other schools also made large gains from previous years despite budget cuts that reduced funding for CAHSEE prep classes.

For example, Arleta High School recorded a 67 percent passing rate compared with 61 percent last year and 44 percent three years ago.

The state also reported that 2,000 LAUSD seniors - 13 percent of the Class of 2010 - failed to pass CAHSEE by their scheduled graduation date. However, students can continue to retake the exam for two years after their scheduled graduation date.

from the California Dept of Education:

California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)

2009-10 Summary Reports

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