By Jim Sanders - Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 2:04 pm PDT Tuesday, June 5, 2007
California high school students could obtain diplomas without passing an exit exam under legislation approved Tuesday by the Assembly.
The measure, Assembly Bill 1379, is similar to legislation vetoed in 2005 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Passage of a high-stakes examination measuring mathematics and language skills is not the only way to demonstrate proficiency, according to supporters of AB 1379.
The bill would require the state to develop alternative methods of measuring academic competence of students unable to pass the exit exam.
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica, said students could be provided with a richer academic experience by easing pressures to narrow instruction to topics likely to appear on the exit exam.
Critics blasted AB 1379 as an attempt to water down academic standards.
"This is another retreat from school accountability," said Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Solana Beach.
AB 1379 was approved on a party-line vote, 44-26, with Republicans opposed.
The bill now goes to the Senate.