Lawsuit creates legislation.
July 19, 2007 - A lawsuit has been tentatively settled between lawyers representing Richmond, Newark and Oakland students and the state of California pending passage of legislation that schools would ensure students who failed exit exams the right to return for additional classes.
That may mean students re-enroll as seniors, sign up for independent study or receive some other type of service, said Hilary McLean, department of education spokeswoman.
BACKGROUND The state of California approved the exit exam as a graduation requirement in 1999.
Passage of the test as a graduation requirement was scheduled to begin in 2004. But, in the face of poor test results, lawmakers delayed the requirement until 2006 and changed the difficulty of the exam, which now measures eighth-grade math and sophomore English skills. Students must pass both parts of the test to earn a diploma.TT - It is a wonder that students don't sue the state for those loans they have to take out the first year of college to pay for remedial classes.
