It is clear that California must do more to improve student achievement. The scores released today are not surprising and are another indication of the challenges we face.

Our students can't afford to miss school. Our schools can't afford missing students. And our state can't afford to rest for one day until we close the gap in achievement that threatens the futures of many immigrant children.

We must seek extraordinary achievement levels for those students to close the achievement gap,

With data showing six years of improved student achievement, we know that California schools are headed in the right direction, ... We now need to maintain the focus on high standards to keep up the momentum for improved student achievement at all schools.

I'm particularly concerned about African-American students and English language learners. The answer is not to ignore the achievement gap by giving diplomas to unprepared students.