SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today made the following comments regarding the release of a study by the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) showing an increase in the percentage of graduating high schools students who are eligible for admission to the University of California system.

"This study shows that more students in California are reaching for a higher bar, and are succeeding," O'Connell said. "I am pleased that greater numbers of California's high school graduates are eligible to enter the very competitive University of California system. However, while eligibility rates for African American and Latino students have increased significantly, there is still an unacceptable gap between the college readiness of these students and their white and Asian counterparts.

"Research shows that if we expect more from our students, they will rise to the challenge. We need to provide all California students with the academically rigorous course work that will prepare them for admission to the UC and CSU system, even if they are not planning to immediately pursue college. Exposure to rigorous curriculum helps prepare students for success in the technical careers of the 21 st century and opens the doors of future opportunity.

"Finally, as more of our students become eligible, it is evident that more space is needed at these prestigious universities. I urge the Governor and the Legislature to carefully consider this need as they complete the work to approve the 2004-05 budget."