What should your student know to graduate from high school?

The theory behind exit exams is sound. As an employer, I want to know that the diploma listed on a job application means that the applicant has achieved a basic level of competency. I need to know that the High School diploma is worth the paper it is written on. In many states these exit exams start in the 10th grade and test for a 5th - 7th grade level of achievement. In other words, a teenager could sleep in for four years and still pass the test.

It would be interesting to shift the paradigm. Instead of testing for generic reading, writing and math skills I would like to see the testing shifted to real knowledge and application of basic skills in a real life situation.

READING

Let's replace the reading exams with the U.S. Citizenship test. If we teach to the test, the worst that can happen is a better informed population. At best, we won't be subjected to embarrassing TV such as "Jay Walking" episodes featuring the worst informed citizenry in the world. The U.S. Citizenship test requires reading skills as well as a foundational understanding of American history and government.

WRITING

The written portion of an exit exam should also apply to the real world: Job applications, accident reports, letter to the editor, maybe a sympathy note. The student would have a list of 15 options from which they would choose three. The exam would test for spelling, grammar, punctuation as well as the ability to understand the assignment and persuasive arguments.

MATHEMATICS

Students who hate math do so because they don't understand that they will be using it every day of their lives. Rewriting the tests to practical applications may not make math fun, but it will tell potential employers that the student can translate all those years of arithmetic classes into job skills. Test for balancing checkbooks, measuring a house for new carpet, figuring out gas mileage, budgeting for a first apartment.

What we need to remember is that the High School Exit Exams are not college entrance exams. The level of education and understanding to graduate from high school should be tied to a successful future, not future education.

Could you pass the test?

Citizenship:

MSNBC.com Sample questions. Interactive features.

A Typical 100 Question Citizenship Test

Math:

Oswego City School District Mathematics A