10 percent of high school senior still have not passed proficiency test

Students slated to graduate in June will have two more chances to pass the proficiency exam, state education officials said.

The test was given for the fourth time last month, when 2,221 students took it. The Department of Education said 442 students, or about 20 percent, passed.

The class of 1999 is the first being required to pass a tougher math and reading proficiency exam and meet a higher passing score.

The passing score will go up again for next year's graduating class.

"Under the old test, approximately 2 percent didn't pass," said state Superintendent Mary Peterson.

Previously, students were limited to taking the test five times. Last month, the state Board of Education voted to offer an extra test. In the future, there will no limit on how many times a student takes the test in an attempt to pass.

"Some students need one more opportunity to demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills which Nevadans expect of high school graduates," Peterson said.

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