A recent Stanford University report, “Multiple Measure Approach to High School Graduation,” has found that using a variety of measures to organize and assess student learning provides a broader, more complete, and more accurate understanding of what students know than is possible with a single standardized test. Yet California is one of only eight states which fail to offer high school students multiple measures of proficiency for graduation.  Although 19 other states have exit exams, the exams there are used as only one of many indicators of student learning. 

“A growing body of research has documented that a single exam that determines graduation eligibility actually reduces graduation rates and has lowered SAT scores,” said Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, author of the recently passed AB 1379, legislation intended to remedy this failing of the California school system.  “Alternative methods can be just as rigorous as a paper and pencil test.  The difference is the ability to more effectively engage students in the learning process and provide more appropriate avenues for demonstrating skills and competencies.”

 AB 1379 would require California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Secretary for Education and the High School Exit Examination Standards Panel, to identify additional criteria and measures besides the single written exit exam by which proficient high school students could demonstrate their competence and receive their high school diplomas.

Opponents of AB 1379 claim that alternative assessment methods for high school competency will diminish standards.  Brownley disagrees and is joined by a majority of educational experts and advocates in her views.  Brownley points to the analogous situation with respect to securing the International Baccalaureate offered by some California high schools.  Passage through the extraordinarily rigorous program leading to the award of this internationally-recognized diploma is determined based upon multiple measures of student knowledge and performance.  

“I want to emphasize that AB 1379 does not eliminate the current exit exam.  It keeps the existing exam as part of a broader multiple measure approach.  This bill will raise California’s already high standards to an even higher standard by making California’s high school graduation eligibility criteria a more relevant, meaningful, and richer measurement,” said Brownley.

Supporters of AB 1379 include the California Teachers Association, the California School Board Association, and the PTA.  The bill has been passed by both legislative branches and is on the Governor desk for approval.