High School Exit Exams

Gary Delgado (Commentary, March 2) claims that high school exit exams are “racist” and “punitive” and are based on “the irrational logic of personal responsibility.” There is nothing racist or punitive about requiring high school students to take a test to show that they have basic reading, writing and math skills before they receive a diploma. Nor is the concept that high school students must take personal responsibility for their own education “irrational.”

Delgado correctly points out that underlying socioeconomic problems cause a disparity in the educational performance of different racial and ethnic groups. He also alludes to policy changes that could help bridge that disparity. However, social-economic problems and remedies have nothing to do with high school exit exams.

Those exams will help ensure that high school graduates achieve a minimum aptitude in basic skills. If we allow high school students to graduate without first obtaining basic skills, we are not doing them any favors.

ARMEN TAMZARIAN

Los Angeles

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Delgado’s position that exit exams are racist is detrimental and demeaning to both education and its students. A local high school district mandates the passing of a math proficiency test prior to graduation. And guess what? Most of the wonderful students of color, many of whom speak but fair English--from a district that could use more money, teachers and supplies and has many of the problems of the typical inner-city district--somehow pass the test.

Why do they pass? Because the test is based on the belief that hard work and not the color of one’s skin or family income determines success. Granted, it may take some students longer than others, but most pass the test. Because the goal is clear, meaningful and reasonable, students do what they have to do.

RICHARD A. REYNOLDS

Lomita