As of 2011, 24 states in the U.S. require students to pass one or more exams in order to qualify for a high school diploma. These tests fall into two categories: minimum competency exams and end-of-course tests. Minimum competency assessments test students' overall abilities in particular subject areas. End-of-course tests assess students' mastery of content from a particular course immediately after completing that course.
With the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002, many states began including high stakes testing in their graduation requirements. While NCLB did not make high school testing mandatory, the tests were part of an effort to increase teacher and school accountability, as well as increase the rigor of high school graduation requirements in general. According to LDOnline, many proponents of high stakes testing believe that testing ensures that teachers have high expectations for all students, including those with disabilities. Testing reduces the likelihood of teachers "watering down" curriculum for students they perceive as less capable.
Those opposed to the use of high stakes testing believe that the testing process is biased against minority students, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and students with disabilities. Opponents of testing feel that it leads to more referrals for special education services, greater retention rates and higher dropout rates.
Fourteen states require graduates to complete a high school exit or proficiency exam. In 10 of these states, the exam is based on content that is covered by the 10th grade: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio and Washington. In four states, students cannot take the exam until their 11th grade year: Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. High school exit exams generally include reading, math and science sections. Some also include social studies subtests.
Eleven states require end-of-course exams for graduation from high school: Arkansas, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Which courses require an end-of-course test varies from state to state, but typically include Algebra I, English I and Biology I.
New Jersey includes both types of tests in its graduation requirements. North Carolina required end-of-course tests until 2010, when the state eliminated mandatory graduation testing requirements. Starting in the 2011 to 2012 school year, both Texas and Washington will require students to pass end-of-course exams for high school graduation.