State House Passes School Testing Initiative

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma high school students will have to pass exit exams in order to graduate under legislation that was sent to Gov. Brad Henry's desk Friday after receiving final approval

Friday, May 26th 2006, 4:39 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Oklahoma high school students will have to pass exit exams in order to graduate under legislation that was sent to Gov. Brad Henry's desk Friday after receiving final approval in the Oklahoma House.

On the final day of the 2006 Legislature, lawmakers voted for the measure after supporters said it will increase classroom accountability and prepare students to compete in the global economy.

Opponents have claimed it will increase the dropout rate and leave some students behind.

Henry is expected to sign the Achieving Classroom Excellence bill, which was one of his legislative priorities this year.