California Lawmakers OK Exit-Exam Reprieve Affecting 5,000

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California lawmakers are moving to help about 5,000 high school students who couldn't graduate this year because the state canceled a required exit exam.

The students were expecting to retake a test in July that they needed for diplomas, but it was canceled because the testing provider's contract expired. Lawmakers say students are unable to enroll in college or join the military as a result.

The Assembly voted Thursday to approve legislation suspending the testing requirement for students who are caught in bureaucratic limbo.

The exam was also outdated and didn't match new rigorous education standards.

Republican Assembly Minority Leader Kristin Olsen of Riverbank says the state should have been prepared with a new test.

SB725 by Oakland Democratic Sen. Loni Hancock heads to the Senate for an urgent vote.