L.A. Area Chamber-Supported Small Learning Communities Rank Among Top High Schools Making Leaps With Exit Exam
June 25, 2009 9:00 am
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that seven Chamber-supported Small Learning Communities (SLCs) are among the most improved high schools according to the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) scores.
Results released by the California Department of Education showed that Belmont, Franklin, Jefferson, L.A. School of Global Studies, Miguel Contreras, New Tech Student Empowerment Academy and Santee were among the top 12 schools in LAUSD for increased passing scores for 10th graders. Since the exam's inception in 2006, the pass rate for Los Angeles Unified School District tenth graders has risen overall, from 44 percent to 59 percent.
“The L.A. Area Chamber applauds our school leaders and their partners who have worked tirelessly to reform our schools for success,” said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “The improvements speak for themselves … Small Learning Communities are proving to be the right formula for engaging students in the academics they need to become part of our 21st century workforce.”
The Chamber supports SLCs in LAUSD by providing staff resources, professional development, and leadership development. More information on the Chamber’s education and workforce development initiatives are available at lachamber.com/education.
All California public school students must pass the CAHSEE in both English language arts and mathematics and meet state and district course requirements in order to receive a high school diploma. The CAHSEE was designed to improve student achievement in high school and help ensure that students who graduate from high school can demonstrate grade-level competency in reading, writing and mathematics.
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The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.