TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Exit exam passing rates among Kern County sophomores held steady this past year, though some school districts continued to see improvement, according to new state data released Wednesday.

Last school year, 80 percent of nearly 12,000 sophomores in the county passed both sections of the California High School Exit Exam -- English and math -- on their first try. That's the same rate as the year before.

But sophomores in Kern High and Delano Joint Union high school districts, among others, raised their bars.

In KHSD, 82 percent of about 8,200 sophomores passed both tests on their first try -- two percentage points better than the year before in each test. Delano's 800 sophomores continued to rank at the top in Kern County, with 93 percent passing the math test, and 87 percent passing the English test.

But Kern County as a whole continued to lag behind California's sophomore averages -- 84 percent of them passed the math test, while 83 percent passed the English test.

Both of those state percentages are improvements from the year before.

"Despite the tremendous challenges we face and the work we still have to do, there's an awful lot going right in our public schools," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. "I congratulate the students who succeeded on this test, the teachers who provided invaluable instruction, and the parents who gave their support and encouragement."

State law requires students to pass both parts of the test to earn a diploma, and to ensure students graduate with basic skills. They take the exam for the first time as sophomores, have two chances to pass as juniors, and up to five chances as seniors.

Students who don't pass are tracked by their schools and often take remedial courses to help them pass. School staff work together and use data analysis to find strengths and weaknesses in struggling students. They get help through after-school programs, community tutoring and online curriculum, among other things.

There aren't many students in Centennial High School that need extra help following their sophomore years. Last year, 96 percent of them passed the math and English tests on their first try. That rate makes Centennial High No. 1 in KHSD.

Principal Steve Wedel credits the high rates to good teachers "understanding what's going to be tested," collaboration among staff who analyze student data to focus on the neediest kids, and preparing students weeks in advance of the test.

Throughout KHSD, staff work together in "professional learning communities" to prepare students for the exit exam, said Mike Zulfa, assistant superintendent of instruction.

"They're coming to us from feeder districts, and within 15 months we have to get them ready to pass this test," Zulfa said. "Eighty-two percent of them are getting the job done right out of the gate."

Due to that kind of work, Centennial High has improved tremendously from just five years ago when 80 percent of Centennial High sophomores were passing the tests on their first try, Wedel said.

"Hopefully we can keep on improving," Wedel said.

But Centennial High isn't No. 1 in all of Kern County. That prize goes to Chavez High School in Delano. There, 97 percent of sophomores passed the math test, and 96 percent passed the English test.

Delano Joint Union High Superintendent Rosalina Rivera credits the district's success to an "environment of high expectations and spirit of success." Everyone in the district -- students, parents, teachers and community members -- is focused on giving 100 percent.

"We all acknowledge that our priority are our kids," Rivera said. "We have a personal commitment."

About 95 percent of KHSD students pass both portions by the end of their senior year, Zulfa said. In California, that percentage is the same. KHSD tries to continue giving those remaining 5 percent support to pass the exam.

In May, KHSD honored Ulises Ponce, a Regional Occupational Center student who had failed the exit exam 16 times during and after high school, before passing it this year on the 17th attempt.

The increases in exit exam pass rates are particularly good news considering the budget constraints public schools are under, school officials said.

"We're proud of the accomplishments, but more proud knowing our teachers are doing more, with more kids, and fewer resources available for them," Zulfa said.