Quick Answer Sought on Exit Exam

The California Supreme Court on Friday indicated it will decide quickly whether to hear a high-profile case on the state’s controversial high school exit exam.

Lawyers for the California Department of Education have appealed a judge’s decision to strike down the test directly to the state’s high court, bypassing the appellate court. They also requested that the Supreme Court stay the judge’s decision until it rules on the appeal.

Shortly after, the Supreme Court posted the case on its website as “retained for consideration.” That, said court spokeswoman Lynn Holton, is an unusual indication that the justices plan to decide quickly whether to hear the case or send it to an appellate court.

Last week, an Alameda County Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction against the exam, which seniors must pass to graduate, ruling that school districts cannot withhold diplomas from students who have failed the test but completed all other graduation requirements. The judge found that minority and poor students who attend low-performing schools are often ill-prepared for the test.

With graduation ceremonies scheduled to start this month and nearly 47,000 seniors yet to pass the exam, Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell bypassed the state’s appellate courts in search of an “ultimate resolution as quickly as possible.”