CA Exit Exam Requirement Cancelled For Thousands Of Graduating High School Students

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation canceling the California exit exam as a requirement for graduation this year, offering a reprieve to about 5,000 students left in limbo when the state canceled the test.

Brown announced signing SB725 on Wednesday without comment.

The legislation by Oakland Democratic Sen. Loni Hancock quickly cleared the Legislature this week as lawmakers sought to help the students. Some were unable to enroll in college or join the military.

The problem developed when the state Department of Education allowed its contract to lapse with the company that provides the exam, forcing a cancellation of the test in July.

The department expected lawmakers to pass legislation suspending the exam before the problem developed. The state is developing new tests aligned with Common Core standards.

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