TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill Thursday that would eliminate a required test to graduate high school.
New Jersey is one of six states that still require an exit exam as a graduation requirement.
The Assembly Education Committee heard from several student and school groups in favor of dropping the exam, including Debbie Bradley from the Principals and Superintendents Association. She said the tests are not only redundant but hold back student achievement by focusing on passing this one test when there are plenty of other ways to gauge student performance.
“The New Jersey testing landscape is extensive. I know many of you know this because you live and work in this field. But New Jersey students take mandated standardized tests annually in grades three through eight. And then once in high school, in English language arts and mathematics.”
Bradley and others reiterated that there are federal standards that must be met and that the high-stakes exit exam often tests prior coursework that students may not be as familiar with.
The bill to eliminate the test advanced with just one no vote.
Assemblywoman Republican Dawn Fantasia said districts artificially boost graduation rates when the bar is lowered, and they will pass students who fail algebra by allowing them to earn credits through community service, but the kids still can’t do math.