Seniors get limitless shots at exit exam

A state education official said today that the decision to give high school seniors another chance at passing the proficiency test will "provide maximum flexibility for students who desire a diploma."

The State Board of Education on Thursday removed the limit on the number of times students can take the exit exam, which came as good news to an estimated 3,000 teens -- about 1,000 in Clark County -- who have not yet passed the test.

Also, the board agreed to provide one more test before graduation, tentatively scheduled for either May 9, 10 or 11. Officials hope too finalize that date by the end of next week.

Deputy State Superintendent Keith Rheault said the board's decision will help students, even those who fail the May test, stay with the program and try again in summer school or adult education programs.

"Now, they can take the test eight or nine times if they need to," Rheault said, noting that the previous limit was five times. "It will provide maximum flexibility for students who desire a diploma."

Students who fail the proficiency test in May but still get all of the credits necessary to graduate will receive a certificate of attendance. They can later earn their diploma by passing yet another state exit exam to be scheduled sometime in June.

The board also voted to allow special education students who already are allowed to use calculators on their regular schoolwork to use them on the proficiency test. Such a device was not allowed for prior exit exams.

When students statewide took the test in February, only 954 of 3,320 passed the math section and just 744 of 1,839 passed the reading section. Seniors took the test again this month. Those scores will be calculated by mid-May, officials said.

Students must score a 61 percent on the math section and a 70 percent on the reading section to pass.

The state Legislature in 1997 ordered that the exit exam be made more difficult as part of a push to raise standards in Nevada schools.

The more difficult version of the test was first taken by juniors -- this year's seniors -- in April 1998. The State Board of Education also raised the scores students need to pass the test. As a result, more students have been failing the exam.

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