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More than a quarter of this year's high school seniors failed Utah's high school exit exam, meaning they received conditional diplomas, if they graduated at all.
More than 9,500 students failed to pass at least one portion of the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test, according to data released Tuesday by the Utah State Office of Education. Last year 10 percent of students failed the UBSCT.
The increase is partially related to a new student tracking system that now includes seniors who may have dropped out or skipped test day, said Deborah Swensen, state director of assessment. Last year's numbers reflected only students who took the test and failed, she said.
"It is a concern," she said. "It says to us, 'Boy, we need to make sure we get this information to each of the districts to make sure they can better meet the needs of their students.' ''
This year's seniors were the second class that received conditional diplomas if they didn't pass the math, reading and writing exit exams. Utah lawmakers passed a law creating the exit exams to make sure the state's students leave high school competent in basic skills.
Students get five chances to take the tests, starting in their sophomore year. Those who don't pass all three sections get diplomas noting that they didn't complete all portions of the test. Educators have asked for more leeway for students with special needs, but lawmakers are wary of making the test seem less important.
Of 36,545 seniors enrolled in October, 22.4 percent didn't pass the math test, 20 percent failed the writing portion and 15.8 percent missed the mark on reading. Overall, 9,512 students - or 26 percent - failed to pass at least one section, meaning they failed the test.
Critics say some students simply don't test well. A student in the Jordan School District took four years of math classes and five stabs at UBSCT, but failed it by one point this year.
The Jordan Board of Education voted 5-2 in May to grant the student's appeal for a full diploma.
"There have been appeals before, but I don't recall . . . a circumstance quite like this one," said board president J. Dale Christensen. In the board report, member Sherril Taylor said, "I don't think I've seen an appeal this close or a student who has tried so hard."
In the Jordan School District, students who fail a UBSCTÂ test are urged to sign up for core or elective remediation classes. After-school help is also available, as are extra-small tutorials for struggling seniors.
"It has been a major effort on our part," said Clyde Mason, the district assessment director. "We've seen some strong success."
A bill providing more appeal options and exemptions failed at the Legislature this year. But it is not clear how much most students worry about the fine print on their diplomas.
Oscar Montelongo, a West High School junior, is having trouble passing his UBSCT but isn't too concerned.
"I'll try to give it another shot," he said. "I just want my diploma."
Utah lawmakers passed a law creating the exit exams to make sure the state's students leave high school competent in basic skills.