Oak Park leads the way in exit exam

The results of the California High School Exit Exam are in and once again Oak Park has led all area high schools with 96 percent of students passing.

Oak Park's results were the highest in the Conejo Valley, starkly superior to the county-wide averages, which came in at 66 percent and 67 percent passing English and math, respectively.

Tony Knight, Oak Park Unified School District's superintendent, said he is pleased with the results of the test, although they are lower than last year. Ninety-six percent passed the English portion last year and 99 percent-275 students of 277-passed the math test.

"They've always been very high," Knight said. "Last year they were astronomical. I think it's because in Oak Park, there is a tradition of focusing on every single student. . . . We have the best teachers in the world and the students are well prepared."

The district's results, which represented about a 93 percent passing rate, are based on Oak Park High School, as well as fewer than 40 students who attend Oak View, the continuation high school, and Oak Park Independent, the program associated with homeschooled students.

Oak Park High saw 96 percent pass the English and math portions of the test. Seventy-six percent passed the English and 52 percent the math at Oak Hills. Homeschooled students' scores weren't released because there are fewer than five students.

Passing the exit exam, which tests sophomores in English and math, became a California graduation requirement this year.

"The CAHSEE is really the least of our problems," Knight said. "Most kids, if they came all the way up through the Oak Park district and they had a good experience, by the time they get to 10th grade, they can pass it no problem. We look at SAT scores and AP scores more closely and other state-standardized testing."

Jack O'Connell, the state's superintendent of schools, released the test results last week.

"The exit exam is designed to ensure that all students graduate with at least the basic level of knowledge and skills needed in the workplace and in life," O'Connell said. "The exam also shines a light on students who are struggling so they can get the targeted assistance they need to succeed."

Students who do not pass the exam as sophomores have many opportunities to pass the exam before high school ends. Seniors who didn't pass the test still have three more opportunities before graduation rights are revoked.

There are programs and classes for students who need help passing, and Knight emphasized the successful nature of Oak Park's programs. According to the California Department of Education, nearly $70 million has been allocated in the state budget specifically to assist these seniors.

All results are posted at the state website, www.cde.ca.gov.

Exit exam sample questions

MATH: Some students attend school 180 of the 365 days in a year. About what part of the year do they attend school? A. 18% B. 50% C. 75% D. 180% John uses 2/3 of a cup of oats per serving to make oatmeal. How many cups of oats does he need to make six servings? A. 2 2/3 B.4 C. 5 1/3 D. 9 LANGAGE ARTS-WRITING: If Mark will have made fewer errors, he will have

assed his driving test. A. If Mark would have made fewer errors, he would have passed his driving test. B. If Mark had made fewer errors, he would have passed his driving test. C. If Mark would of made fewer errors, he would have passed his driving test. D. Leave as is. The legendary goddess was the ___________of all the Greek deities. A. beautifulest C. most beautiful B. more beautiful D. most beautifying