SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today expressed his deep disappointment with the lack of legislative support for bills designed to help students who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), or are at risk of not passing, to continue their education.

"We can not afford to give up on students who complete 13 years of school but are still struggling to master basic skills in English-language arts and math," O'Connell said. "Bills I sponsored that would have guaranteed these students a place in the California public school system should have been sent to the Governor. While I am deeply disappointed that the Senate did not approve these important measures, I continue to believe that our schools have a moral obligation to work with students in the class of 2006 and beyond who have not passed the exit exam. I expect all districts to do everything possible to find an appropriate placement that will help these students continue with their education."

The Senate failed to pass three key bills in O'Connell's legislative package that were specifically designed to help students struggling to pass the CAHSEE:

AB 2532, by Assembly member Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach), would have increased the caps on adult education programs to ensure that space would be available for students who have completed their senior year but had not yet passed the CAHSEE. This bill was held on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 2163, by Assembly member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), would have expanded summer school opportunities for students in the second through sixth grades who are at risk of falling behind. This bill would have also ensured that students who had completed their senior year but had not yet passed the exit exam could come back to high school as a fifth year senior or be provided other public school options to take the courses they need to pass the exam. This bill was held on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 1570, by Assembly member Simon Salinas (D-Salinas), would have increased the number of California Partnership Academies in high schools throughout the state. These academies provide real world work experience with rigorous academics. They are highly accountable and highly effective. To qualify for funding, students are required to have good attendance and be on track to graduate. Ninety-five percent of students in these programs go on to graduate. Expanding California Partnership Academies was a strong recommendation of the statewide P-16 Council, a council of leaders in education, business, and community organizations appointed by O'Connell in 2005 to identify ways to improve education. This bill was also held on suspense in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"Students stay engaged in school when they are connected with caring adults and when they can see the real-world relevance of the skills they are learning," O'Connell said. "It is critically important that we keep every option open to help students who still have not passed the exit exam by the end of their senior year. We should be guaranteeing a place for every student who wants to keep studying until they attain the critical skills needed to pass the exit exam and earn a diploma. I think the Senate erred by not making these bills a priority."

O'Connell did applaud Legislative approval of a bill that will allow students who pass the summer and/or fall administrations of the exit exam to continue to be eligible for a CalGrant. SB 1383, by Senator Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento), extends the CalGrant application deadline for students who pass the exit exam administered in July and in the fall.

"Students who persevered and worked hard to pass the exit exam and still want to continue with their education should not be denied that opportunity because of lack of financial resources. I want to thank the Legislature for sending this measure to the Governor. I urge the Governor to recognize how successful these young people can become if they have the chance to go to college and ask that he sign SB 1383 without delay," O'Connell said.