Few fail Gateway exams that are being called too easy

But employers and colleges administrators say they are still being overwhelmed with students unprepared for higher education.

More than 50,000 students took the state-mandated exams last year, and 324 students not involved in special education programs failed, preventing them from receiving a diploma.

State education officials said the numbers show that Tennessee?s public schools are offering more rigorous classes.

Students and teachers say the tests aren’t all that tough.

?To put it bluntly, they were probably a waste of my time. They were really easy,? said Holly Nier, a graduating senior at Hendersonville High School. ?The last question for the math Gateway was a number line. I probably knew how to do that stuff in the fifth grade.?

Employers complain that the tests, which were designed to gauge if a student is ready for college or work, aren?t proving graduates are prepared.

Students can miss nearly two-thirds of the questions on the Gateway biology test and still pass it. They also pass if they miss half the English questions and slightly less than half the 55 Algebra I questions.

About one student in six fails a Gateway exam on their first try, but those who fail can take the exam again until they pass.