Call the Governor

[George Sheridan <learn@jps.net>]

SACRAMENTO ? The California Legislature on July 7 approved Senate Bill 1446 by
Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero (D ? East Los Angeles), which provides
disabled students with a two year exemption from the California High School Exit
Exam (CAHSEE) in order to receive a diploma.  The measure was approved in the
Senate by a 27 to 12 vote.

On December 31, 2007, a statewide exemption from the CAHSEE for students with
disabilities expired.  SB 1446 would allow disabled students who completed all
other state requirements and are scheduled to graduate in 2008 or 2009 to receive
their high school diploma.  It is estimated that up to 18,000 special education
students did not receive their diploma in 2008 because they were unable to pass
either portion of the CAHSEE. 

"While the Legislature and the Governor work towards identifying an alternative
assessment process for disabled students in lieu of the CAHSEE and increasing the
number of credentialed special education teachers in the future, SB 1446 would
provide immediate relief to thousands of students scheduled to graduate in 2008
and 2009," say Senator Romero.

?The high school exit exam is supposed to be just that - an exit from high
school,? said Romero. ?Instead, it has become a trap door for many students,
especially students with disabilities.  SB 1446 is needed to address the
immediate needs of thousands of California students that will fall through the
CAHSEE trap door unless this measure is enacted.  I hope Governor Schwarzenegger
will act quickly to sign this measure into law.?

SB 1446 now goes to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for final action.  SB 1446 is
an urgency measure and would take effect immediately upon signature by the
Governor.  The Governor has until the end of this week to either sign or veto
this measure.


Please call, fax, or e-mail the Governor urging him to sign SB 1446 Romero. 



The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA  95814

Phone: 916-445-2841; Fax: 916-445-4633 and Fax:  916-558-3160

E-mail:  www.gov.ca.gov/interact

George Sheridan