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Santa Rosa school officials are trying to find ways to help high school sophomores
pass the state exit exam in mathematics -- something nearly a fifth of
this year's seniors still have not been able to do.
A district review of the current seniors from all Santa Rosa high schools
showed that during the past three years 389 of the 2,063 students repeatedly
failed to pass the math portion of the state exam. In comparison, 179
failed to pass the English portion, roughly 9 percent of those still enrolled.
"Clearly math needs more attention, more effort," said Assistant
Superintendent Steve Butler. "In my view it's good to know that so
we can work on it."
The current senior class originally was slated to be the first required
to pass both portions of the exam in order to get a high school diploma.
But the state Board of Education this summer postponed that requirement
for two years -- making current sophomores the first class to come under
the rule.
A state report last spring estimated that 80 percent of California's seniors
had passed the exam's English section and 60 percent passed the math section.
The sophomores will take the test for the first time in spring. During
the next three years any students will have multiple chances to pass both
the math and English sections.
In preparation, math department leaders from Santa Rosa high schools will
meet this month to review the test results.
Butler said he wants to put together a team of teachers to examine how
to better help students pass the math section. The district could add
new materials or courses, and beef up tutoring and summer school offerings.
The aim is to devise plans this semester so there is time to make any
needed changes to next fall's schedules.
"If you wait until spring, you've almost lost a year," Butler
said.
Jerry Wellman, Piner High's math department chairman, expressed confidence
that teachers can examine the state testing data, analyze students' strengths
and weaknesses and devise a strategy to better help them grasp math.
For his part, Wellman tries to help students understand that as in athletics,
mathematics requires practice. And he said he wants students to see the
connections of how math fits into life after high school.
As future home owners, he tells students, "You're going to have to
repaint the walls. How much paint do you buy?"
The city Board of Education will discuss the test results Wednesday during
its 5 p.m. session at City Hall.
As part of that review, school board members may discuss dropping the
district's own requirement that seniors must pass the state exit exam
in order to get a diploma.
Even though the state dropped the rule, Santa Rosa still has its own rule
and could withhold diplomas to those not passing the test.
Butler said, however, the state this summer told school districts not
to use the exit exam to determine who graduates. And some district officials
have raised concerns about using the exam to withhold diplomas when the
state isn't willing to do the same.
"I will definitely not support making it a requirement," said
board member Noreen Carvolth.
You can reach Staff Writer Robert Digitale at 521-5285 or rdigitale@pressdemocrat.com.
School test
1. Three-fourths of the 36 members of a club attended a meeting. Ten of
those attending the meeting were female. Which one of the following questions
can be answered with the information given?
A. How many males are in the club?
B. How many females are in the club?
C. How many male members of the club attended the meeting?
D. How many female members of the club did not attend the meeting?
2. Stephanie is reading a 456-page book. During the past 7 days she has
read 168 pages. If she continues reading at the same rate, how many more
days will it take her to complete the book?
A. 12
B. 14
C. 19
D. 24
Correct answers:
1. C; 2. A
Source: State Department of Education
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