Kids are retarded in California

About 20% of California seniors failed their graduation exams, which wouldn’t be funny unless you realized the level on which they were tested. The exit exam, which has come under criticism by some educators, legislators and civil rights advocates, is geared to an 8th grade level in math and to ninth- and 10th grade levels in English. And naturally, instead of, I don’t know, getting better teachers, they want to create “alternatives” for students who can’t pass. Like… The state, for example, could allow seniors to submit portfolios of work that demonstrate mastery of English and math, the report's authors suggested.The report also suggested that schools could allow students to spend an extra year in high school or earn diplomas for completing special summer school programs in lieu of the exam.Additionally, the state could establish alternate diplomas or graduation certificates for students who pass part of the exit exam, the group suggested. Thankfully, not everyone in California is retarded: But California's Supt. of Public Instruction, Jack O'Connell, said he opposes any change that would diminish the worth of a high school diploma."It's important to keep one core principal front and center: awarding a student a diploma without the skills and knowledge to back it up does the student a disservice," said O'Connell, who added that his staff would study the options spelled out in the new report. Word.