Catch 22

[George Sheridan <learn@jps.net>]

Exit Exam Concerns:
Only those who pass the exam can get funding for community college 
coursework to help them pass the exam.

College Groups Warn Grant Ineligibility Could Limit Options for H.S. Students

Community college representatives are cautioning that high school students 
who fail the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) are not eligible for 
Cal Grant funding for higher education coursework they may take to help 
them pass the state-mandated exam. Only high school graduates may apply for 
the grants, and students cannot graduate high school without first passing 
the exam.

At its February 16 meeting, the Community College Chancellor's Consultation 
Council of Organizations (CCCCCO), a consortium of higher education groups 
including representatives of the Community College Chancellor's Office, 
heard from Chancellor Marshall (Mark) Drummond that the challenge facing 
the colleges in dealing with these students is a "big, big deal." The 
Council discussed a range of options for helping the students, including 
implementing non-credit courses for them. Drummond urged exploring a 
partnership with high schools as an important element of a programmatic 
solution. One key decision will be how to use $30.7 million in one-time 
funds included in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed state budget to 
help prepare these students to secure the skills they need to clear the 
exit exam hurdle and graduate high school.



George Sheridan