SC Exit Exams could no longer be required for graduation

South Carolina may soon end a requirement that high school students pass an exit exam in order to graduate. Legislation that would remove the mandate unanimously passed the state House Education and Public Works Committee this week. The idea has support from legislators of both parties.  Oconee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Lucas also supports the idea.  “I fully support eliminating the High School Assessment Program (HSAP) exam.  The state currently spends about $71 per student and that money can be better spent.  One suggestion made is that it be replaced with the ACT or the WorkKeys Assessment that way kids when they leave high school actually have something that tells an employer they are ready for work or they have their college entrance exam already done.  So, I am fully supportive of replacing really an out-mode kind of exam with something that would be beneficial to the students and school districts.” Students usually take the exit exam late in their sophomore year. Those students who do not pass both the English and math portions on their first attempt are allowed to try again. Last year, 80% of test-takers in South Carolina passed both sections on their first try, according to the state Department of Education. However, roughly 8% of seniors were not able to graduate in 2012 because they failed to pass the HSAP. The bill would not actually eliminate the HSAP exam. Students would still be required to take the test to judge their progress in high school, but it would no longer determine whether they graduate. The bill now heads to the SC House floor, where lawmakers will try to advance it to the Senate before a critical May 1 deadline.