Dangerous Ideas

Judge Robert B. Freedman finalized his preliminary decision on Friday to block the use of the exit exam for the class of 2006 (although the fate of seniors is still not entirely clear). From the SJ Mercury:

A California judge suspended the state’s high school exit exam as a graduation requirement Friday, saying California public schools don’t fairly prepare all students – a decision that calls into question whether the state can enforce a test of basic math and English competency for a diploma.

The ruling could allow thousands of seniors who haven’t passed the controversial exam to receive diplomas in the coming weeks. But they can’t be sure: State Superintendent Jack O’Connell said he will appeal quickly and seek a court order to keep the exam requirement in force until the legal battle is resolved. And for educators, students and parents, the decision deepens uncertainty about the exam’s future.

Freedman’s Friday ruling only affected the class of 2006; another challenge from Californians for Justice would have delayed the exam from being implemented for future classes as well. Unfortunately, Freedman rejected this second suit against the California Exit Exam. From the LA Times:

An Alameda County Superior Court judge Tuesday dealt a defeat to activists hoping to further weaken the embattled state high school exit exam.

Judge Robert B. Freedman, who last week handed a major victory to opponents of the exam by clearing the way for thousands of seniors who failed the test to graduate, rejected another lawsuit with similar aims.

The basis of the two suits differed, however. Unlike the plaintiffs involved in last week’s decision, who had argued their case on the basis of the state Constitution, Californians for Justice Education Fund, a grass-roots advocacy group, argued its case on the basis of state laws.