40 percent fail last math test

Friday, June 4, 2004 | 11:30 a.m.

Nearly 40 percent of the high school seniors who needed to pass the controversial math proficiency test to earn a diploma failed at their last chance in May, school district officials said.

Of the 2,725 Clark County high school seniors who hadn't passed the math portion, 61.7 percent passed the latest sitting.

The May round of the test is given for seniors only, providing them with a final chance at whichever portions of the test -- math, reading and writing -- they had yet to pass.

The math test is considered the most difficult and has come under fire from parents and lawmakers who say the students aren't tested on what they have been taught.

In response to the criticism, lawmakers voted last year to lower the passing score from 304 to 290 for the class of 2003. This year's seniors need to score at least 293. The passing score will increase by several points each successive year until 2007, when it will be restored to 304.

The Legislature also ordered a study to see if the test matched up with the curriculum.

In other proficiency tests results, 69.8 percent of the 839 seniors who needed to complete the reading section passed, as did 82.1 percent of the 1,027 seniors who needed to pass the writing section.

There are 12,442 seniors in the class of 2004. It was immediately unclear how many would get diplomas at graduations, which begin today.

Students who complete the required 22.5 course credits, but do not pass all sections of the proficiency test, are given "Certificates of Attendance" and are allowed to participate in graduation activities.

The final results for the class of 2004 will be reported after the July round of proficiency tests. Next month is the last time this year's seniors will have to pass the test and still be issued a diploma from their own high schools. Seniors may attempt the proficiency exam again at a later date but will receive diplomas from the district's Adult Education program.