SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today issued the following statement regarding the release of the Year 6 independent evaluation of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) by the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO):

"This Year 6 HumRRO report gives us important information as we draw closer to implementing the consequences of the California High School Exit Exam. From the very beginning of this process, it has been my goal to use the exam as a tool to challenge the system and raise expectations and results for all our children. 

"I’m pleased this report shows the exit exam is focusing our students and our schools like never before on our rigorous standards. We know from the results of the latest test scores that when you challenge students to higher standards, they rise to meet them. This report confirms that the test is a valid and reliable indicator of student knowledge in mathematics and English-language arts and that the test has brought needed consistency across all of our varied districts.

"I strongly believe the report’s lead recommendation to keep the CAHSEE requirement in place for the Class of 2006 and beyond is an appropriate and important recommendation. HumRRO also recommends the consideration of additional options for those students who may be unable to satisfy the CAHSEE requirement by June 2006. I have directed my staff to consider HumRRO’s recommendation to identify options for these students and if I am convinced alternative options would be in the best interest of all California’s students, I will work with the Governor, the Secretary for Education and the Legislature to make recommendations for change by the time the Legislature reconvenes in January 2006.

"While it is appropriate to consider these options, it is critical that in doing so we keep one core principle front and center: awarding a student a diploma without the knowledge and skills to back it up does a great disservice to that student. I want every student in California to get a diploma, but more importantly, I want every student in California to complete high school with the necessary skills to truly compete in today’s information driven global economy."

The Year 6 HumRRO report can be viewed at: Independent Evaluation (HumRRO) - California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).