SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued the following statement regarding a decision issued today by the California Court of Appeal to uphold the constitutionality of the California High School Exit Exam:

"Today's ruling is yet another affirmation that the California High School Exit Exam is here to stay. The California High School Exit Exam is a critical part of California's school accountability system. By requiring passage of the exit exam as a condition of graduation, we give more meaning to a high school diploma. It raises the bar and ensures that students who graduate have necessary skills in mathematics and English-language arts. I am proud that nearly 91 percent of the high school seniors in the class of 2006 met this challenge of higher expectations. I urge students who have yet to pass to continue with their education so they can master these critical skills, and I continue to ask school districts to help these students find an appropriate educational avenue that will help each of them be successful."

Background: The case, Californians for Justice Education Fund, v. State Board of Education, et al., alleged that a study of alternatives to the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) was not conducted in a timely manner. The court upheld a San Francisco Superior Court ruling that found that a study of potential alternatives to the CAHSEE was conducted and that the legislation mandating a study did not specify a time frame for the study to be completed.