Public education: high school exit examination.

(1) Existing law requires each pupil completing grade 12 to successfully pass the high school exit examination as a condition of receiving a diploma of graduation or as a condition of graduation from high school. Existing law requires by October 1, 2010, that the State Board of Education, taking into consideration specified findings and recommendations, adopt regulations for alternative means by which eligible pupils with disabilities, as defined, may demonstrate that they have achieved the same level of academic achievement in the content standards required for passage of the high school exit examination. This bill would require that pupils be verbally notified before taking the high school exit examination that they may request additional time to complete the examination. The bill would require the request to be granted if the pupil making the request has an identified learning disability, including dyslexia. These requirements would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.