Florida lawmakers once again eye ending exit exams for students

Calls to end 'exit exams' in Florida high schools

FOX 13's Evyn Moon reports on growing calls for Florida to stop administrating 'exit exams,' arguing that the tests do not effectively evaluate students and keep many from graduating from high school.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As Florida starts the new year, one major issue on the agenda is whether to continue high school exit exams.

The state remains one of only six nationwide still requiring these exams, and many educators argue they're not effective and can keep students from graduating.

"Our exit exams should be based on what the teacher taught," said Lee Bryant, the president of the Pinellas County Teachers Association. "The student teachers know what the strengths and weaknesses of the students are, and they know what they taught the students during the course of the semester or the year. So the teacher-designed test would be more reflective of what goes on in the classroom and what went on in the classroom."

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Despite ongoing debates in Tallahassee every year, Florida still uses these exams, which cause test anxiety for students.

"Some kids tend to really freak out emotionally," Bryant added.

Teachers also said money can be a big reason this testing still exists in the state.

"Part of it is money. Or the corporations that create tests make a lot of money. And some of the legislators out there like to give money to the people that are creating tests," said Bryant.

Florida's Senate is looking at new legislation this year in hopes of finally addressing these concerns, with similar measures failing in the past.

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