SW Debate: Graduation exit exams?
 HARRISBURG, Pa. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Twenty years ago a high school diploma was the key to a good job or college admission. These days, some experts say your “sheepskin” isn’t worth nearly as much. Should high school students have to show their smarts in order to graduate? Now, many states are implementing graduation exit exams, but it’s a move that’s creating plenty of debate.
Christine Michael is a mom and substitute teacher. She worries about the impact of what some call "high stakes" exams. “I have taught children, and I have two children that have two different learning styles. One would thrive in that environment. The other won’t- but it’s no indication of their intelligence,” Michael said. Pennsylvania is one of the most recent states to approve the exams in English, math, science and social studies. Pennsylvania’s education chief says right now, almost half of all state high school students graduate without showing proficiency in basic subjects. “Your diploma is kind of like a calorie you would take in from sugar. It’s an empty one. It can’t help you build back,” Gerald Zahorchak, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, told Ivanhoe.
“We need to find out the best methods to make sure these kids are ready to earn good livings and become productive citizens. I’m not sure this is the answer,” Caroline Allen, President of the Pennsylvania Parent-Teacher Association, told Ivanhoe. A study by the independent research group the Manhattan Institute found that adopting a high school exit exam has no effect on drop out rates. In most states, students are given several chances to pass the exam before they are denied a diploma. In Pennsylvania, parents, students and educators will have time to do their homework. The new graduation requirements go into effect starting with the class of 2014. If you would like more information, please contact: |
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August 21, 2008
- Roseburg, Oregon
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By the time a pre-school class today is old enough to graduate high school, diplomas may be much harder to earn. Twenty-six states have either adopted, or are in the process of implementing strict requirements for high school graduation -- in some cases, mandating a series of pass or fail exams.
Supporters say without rigorous exams and help for those who fail, kids are robbed of the opportunity to compete. Opponents say they worry that kids who struggle in school may now be more compelled to drop out.
