Fewer San Diego high school sophomores passed the state's exit exam last academic year. Test results also show fewer minority students are making the grade. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
About 76 percent of sophomores passed the test this year -- that's down by two percent from last year. That means the Class of 2009 is not on the same track as the Class of 2008.
Test results also show fewer Latino and black students passing the test. State Superintendent Jack O'Connell commented on the test results. He believes too many educators have different expectations for black and Latino students.
O’Connell: We're having candid, sometimes difficult and awkward conversations, but ones that need to be held and we've given this a great deal of thought. And have I taken some heat and criticism? Yes.
O'Connell now believes race, and not economic factors, has a bigger influence on student performance. He will hold a summit in November to discuss what he's now referring to as the "racial" achievement gap.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
