Six Roseville High School sophomores had their California High School Exit Exam scores voided after they were caught using cell phones during the testing period last week. The phones were also confiscated. In accordance with the CAHSEE mandated procedure, the students had their tests taken, voided, and must retake their tests next year.

     In order to discourage students from using cell phones to cheat on the test, state rules mandate students are not allowed to use cell phones during the test and will automatically be deemed as cheaters if caught.

     “Two students were caught with cell phones while the test was actually in progress,” said Roseville High School testing coordinator Martha Ogness. “Four were caught with their phones out after they were done testing”.

     Despite the fact that four of the cell phones were taken after testing, the CAHSEE rules specify that their phones must be taken anyways. Although the number of tests voided may seem small, Ogness said that the number has actually gone up. Ogness also finds it strange that precautions that are taken on normal state tests weren’t taken this time on the CAHSEE.

     “Usually, cell phones are taken before the CAHSEE to help from students getting them taken while the test is going on. That could be why the numbers are on the rise,” said Ogness “It’s sad, because it’s such an important test and if they don’t pass it, they won’t be able to graduate. If it was up to me, the four who were caught will cell phones after the test wouldn’t have gotten in trouble, but that’s what the state rules say to do.”

    While some students believe that they should be given at least a warning before getting their cell phones confiscated, Assistant principal Jon Coleman does not believe such warnings are necessary. 

     “Students should not be given a warning because they know better,” said Coleman. ‘They really shouldn’t need to be warned. The rules on cell phones are outlined in the school planner and have been in effect for a quite a while.”