Company Hired to Develop High School Graduation Test

The Rendell Administration has hired a Minnesota company to develop a high school graduation exam, even though the legislature has not approved the idea of a mandatory test before a student could get a diploma. The administration has approved a 7 year, $201 million dollar contract with the company to develop the exam, a model curriculum, teacher training and tools to monitor student progress in 10 subject areas. Some legislators say they are offended the administration would sign without a program in place. The House and Senate will have some say because money for the contract would have to be included in the budget that is now under discussion.