News
News Release:
 More San Diego Students Passing High School Exit Exam
August 23, 2007

SAN DIEGO – For the just-finished class of 2007, more students in the San Diego Unified School District passed the high school exit exam than ever, although at a rate slightly below state average, according to estimated results released today.

Reflecting the statewide numbers also released, the San Diego Unified class of 2007 showed a higher gain in most demographic groups, according to Geno Flores, Deputy Superintendent.

“We’re especially pleased with the gains this year for Hispanic, African American and economically disadvantaged students,” he said.

Estimated gains for the class of 2007 over the class of 2006 in the San Diego Unified School District showed the pass rate for all students increased to 92.4 percent from 87.5 percent, an increase of 4.9 percent. Statewide, a gain of 2.1 percent was reported to 93.3 percent. Hispanic students rose 6.3 percent, African American rose 9 percent and economically disadvantaged students increased by 6.1 percent.

For the class of 2009, 10th graders taking the test for the first time, an estimated 76 percent of the students passed either the English language arts or the math portions of the test, down from 78 percent for last year’s 10th graders (the class of 2008).

Students have several opportunities to take the exam. To graduate from a San Diego Unified high school, students must pass the exit exam, have 44 class credits, a grade point average of at least 2.0 and take the proper courses.

Final results are expected in late September, when results are completed on July’s exam, which was the last opportunity for the Class of 2007 to take the test and still receive a diploma as part of the Class of 2007.