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ALERT: Lawsuit filed against CA Over High Stakes Test

Lawsuit Alleges State Exit Exam Discriminates

Oakland, CA - May 8, 2001/Mercury News.

"In unprecedented action that could eventually affect hundreds of thousands of disabled students statewide, Disability Rights Advocates filed a lawsuit Tuesday against California's Department of Education, challenging its high school exit exam, which they say discriminates against those with learning disabilities."

"The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, charges that the exam discriminates because it provides no alternate assessment, no procedure for requesting accommodations and no process for appeals.

The suit claims the exam tests disabled students on material that they have never been taught. As a result, the lawsuit says, the department has "created chaos and confusion.'' The lawsuit seeks corrective action to remedy these alleged flaws in the system . . ."

"In addition to the state Department of Education and Superintendent Delaine Eastin, the suit, specifically, names Fremont Unified School District and its superintendent, Sharon Jones. One of the three student plaintiffs, 13-year-old Juleus Chapman, attends Fremont's Hopkins Junior High School."

"The suit was also filed on behalf of the Learning Disabilities Association of California."

For more information about this important case about high stakes testing

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