91.4% have passed the high school exit exam

More than 400,000 high school seniors have passed the California High School Exit Exam, according to final results announced Thursday by the state Department of Education.

An additional 819 students passed the test in July, raising the overall pass rate to 91.4%. Nearly 38,000 students failed to pass and were urged to attend community colleges, adult schools or return as seniors.

The class of 2006 was the first required to pass the exam -- which tests basic math and English-language arts skills -- in order to receive a diploma.

A state appeals court recently reaffirmed the exam's legality after several students and parents sued, alleging that the exam was biased.