Graduating hopefuls face final test

Fourteen Carson High School seniors have just over a week to brush up on their math, or they won't get to walk in June's graduation ceremony.

The final proficiency tests will be administered May 21 and 23 to students who have not been unable to pass the math portion of the test.

One of the students will also have to pass the English proficiency test, according to Mike Watty, associate superintendent of education.

Juniors, sophomores and seniors who hadn't passed the test earlier took it in April.

Overall, 40 students failed the math test, Watty said, but 22 were special-education students who may receive an adjusted diploma if they meet their requirements. A few other students didn't have enough credits or have already withdrawn from school.

Watty said next week's tests will be walked over to the Department of Education. He said the department should be able to grade the tests within seven days in time for results by June 1.

"Students are still being offered remediation, as well as the proficiency exam class that has been running all year," he said. "Our concerted effort is to have 100 percent graduation, but there is only one more opportunity before graduation."

Only one student didn't pass the final proficiency exam and was prevented from graduating last year.

Under state law, passing the test is required for a student to receive a diploma. However, whether a student is allowed to walk in graduation is left up to individual school districts.

Carson City School Board trustees approved a policy that backed Carson High School tradition of not allowing students who have failed to walk in the graduation.

Waddy said there are 490 students in the 2003 Carson High School graduating class.