SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent Jack O'Connell today released the following statement regarding a tentative ruling by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Robert Freedman in Valenzuela v. California, regarding the California High School Exit Exam:

"I am concerned with the court's tentative ruling. Independent research shows that because of the High School Exit Exam, students are working harder and learning more, and those who are struggling are getting the help they need to succeed.

"The high school exit exam is a cornerstone of California's school accountability system, and that system is critical to the continued improvement of student achievement. That is why the people of California have consistently shown they support this test.

"Recognizing that today's ruling is not final, I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that at the end of the legal day we maintain the integrity of the high school exit exam, and that all graduates in the class of 2006 will enter college or the workforce with a diploma that reflects their mastery of critical academic skills."