Nine students waiting to see if they graduate

Nine Carson High School students who have met all other requirements for graduation are still waiting on the results of the proficiency exam to determine whether they can participate in the June 5 graduation ceremony.

Results from the April tests showed that of 464 students in the class, 43 did not pass. Of those, one has since withdrawn, three lack credits, 27 of them are special-education students and may receive an adjusted diploma without passing the exam. Another three are in danger of failing.

Students took the test again this month and results are due Tuesday.

"Everybody is holding their breath," said Fred Perdomo, vice principal. "It's a very anxious time for students as well as administrators."

All high school seniors in Nevada are required to pass the proficiency exam before receiving a standard diploma. They must meet proficiency levels in three portions of the test: English, math and reading.

Although other Nevada high schools allow students to walk through the graduation ceremony if they have met all attendance and course requirements but haven't passed the exam, Carson High School does not.

Perdomo, who will replace Glen Adair as principal next year, plans to continue the policy.

"We took a vote at a faculty meeting and it was unanimous," he said. "It keeps everybody trying."

For students who do not pass, summer classes are available as well as after-school tutoring. Proficiency math and English courses are also available during the school year for students struggling to pass the exam.

The test is also used in the federal No Child Left Behind program to determine whether a school is making adequate yearly progress.

Those determinations are based on the first administration of the test to 10th-graders.

As sophomores, 36 percent of the class of 2004 passed the math portion of the exam. This year, 52 percent of the sophomores passed on their first attempt.

"It's a real good sign," Perdomo said. "It's up to us to try to get more students through the first time. The more we can get passed the first time out, the more it opens up elective courses."

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.