The new figures are based on results from the California High School Exit Exams taken last fall. State school’s chief Jack O’Connell says about 9-out-of-10 students passed.  

"That leaves about 47,000 students overall or about 11% of the students who must still pass the exam along with meeting other graduation requirements and any other requirements that a local district might impose, such as community service." 

And O’Connell says the results also shine a harsh light on achievement gaps.

"20% of our African American students, 31% of our English learner students and 18% of our economically disadvantaged students have not yet passed last fall’s exams. The level of this achievement gap is simply unacceptable."

For students who don’t pass, O’Connell says he’s proposing a package of bills that would provide independent study programs and more chance to take the exam on weekends and in the summer.