More Newport-Mesa District students passing Exit Exam

Newport-Mesa Unified School District students passed the California High School Exit Exam at a higher rate than the county and state average, according to figures released by the Department of Education Thursday.

“We’re very pleased with the results,” said Peggy Anatol, Newport-Mesa’s assessment director.

The district held steady its pattern of performing better than most in standardized state testing, yet, paralleling statewide trends, an achievement gap persists between white and Asian students, and black and Latino students.

Districtwide, 86% of 10th grade students passed both the English and math exams, both totals are roughly 10% better than the state average. The remaining portion of students will have five more opportunities to pass the section of the exit exam they failed before graduation — two in the 11th grade, and three chances in the 12th grade.

Corona del Mar High School performed best among the district’s high schools, with 96% of its 10th grade students passing the math portion of the test on their first try, 97% of students also passed the English half. Girls earned bragging rights there by passing both segments at an ever-so-slightly higher rate than boys.

Of greatest concern for state officials was the continuing racial achievement gap. Statewide, minorities have made significant gains at closing it, though this year’s district results compared to the last two years show little headway.

“The bottom line is we see a closing of the achievement gap, but we must do much more,” said Jack O’Connell, state superintendent of public instruction. “We know that all students can learn to high levels and all students can learn to our high standards ... We must confront and change those things in our education system that could be holding some of our students back.”

Nine in 10 sophomore students who identified themselves as white, Asian or Filipino passed both tests. Generally about seven in 10 students identifying themselves as black or Latino in the district passed each.

“We’re pretty much holding our own,” Anatol said, pointing out that by the end of senior year, nearly every student in the district has passed the exit exam. She estimated last year only 13 students retook the exam after senior year.