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Shelley Osterloh ReportingThis is the first year the state of Utah has required high school students to take the basic competency skills test called the UBSCT. High School seniors who failed any part of the test are just realizing the impact it has on their graduation.
A lot of seniors are busy finishing up classes and credits for graduation, but this year the requirements for a diploma are different. The idea is to graduate students who have mastered basic skills in reading writing and math. And if they don't pass, they may not get a diploma, or get a diploma that says this student failed a part of Utah's Basic Competency Skills test.
Jason Johnson and his friend, Austin, are both seniors at Hillcrest High. Both passed the reading and writing parts of the UBSCT test and failed the math portion. But Austin took the test the required minimum of three times and Jason only twice.
Jason Johnson, Hillcres High Senior: "I only took it two times and apparently if I would have taken it one more time, I would have gotten my diploma."
Jason won't get to walk down the isle with his classmates, and instead of a diploma, he'll receive a certificate of completion.
Jason Johnson, Hillcrest High Senior: "I wasn't aware that I had to take the test three times to graduate, and didn't understand the severity of test, and how important it was."
Students have five chances to take the test. Once they've passed one of the three sections they don't have to take it again; but if they fail a section, they must at least try three times in order to get a diploma. Jason's mother says if she had known about the test, she would have made sure Jason took it.
Sally Johnson, Jason's Mother: "I was not informed and Jason is not going to be able to graduate with his class because of that."
Jason is not alone. In the Jordan School district ,about 3%, or 160 students, had fewer than three attempts at the test and will receive certificates of completion. About 6%, or 316, students had at least three tries at the test and failed at least one part. Statewide, one in ten graduating seniors failed to pass the three subject exam and will receive a diploma that says so.
In some school districts students who receive a certificate of completion will be allowed to walk in graduation. Jordan School district has decided they won't.
