Exit+Exams





[|American Diploma Project]

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In Bracey’s article, he discusses the correlation of the mandatory exit exam and its impact on discouraging graduation. He reflects on the “accidental” experiment involving the California High School Exam in which the test was deferred creating a scenario where students assumed they had to take the test to graduate. The results of the imposition of the CAHSEE had no effect on achievement, but had a negative effect on graduation rates. The authors tackle several myths plaguing accountability. Ullucci and Spencer use the California High School Exit Exam to outline their argument, but surmise that the myths are consistent with other states as well, and question whether accountability is truly about universal student achievement or a result of political pressure.