College readiness research

The number of students passing high-school exit exams is at an all-time high, but about 60% of students enrolling in community colleges have to take remedial courses, according to recent research. "There is a disconnect that has existed for a long time in terms of the measures used for high-school graduation and if a student is ready to succeed in a college-level class," said Mary Fulton of the Education Commission of the States.
Community College Research Center. (2016). Community college FAQs. New York: Columbia University.
http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/Community-College-FAQs.html

Common Core and exit exams report

The Common Core State Standards and high-school exit exams are at odds, according to a report by the New America Foundation. Researchers recommend that states take action steps such as aligning exit exams with college- and career-readiness standards or considering alternatives to exit exams.
Hysloop, A. (2014). The case against exit exams.  New American Foundation.
http://education.newamerica.net/sites/newamerica.net/files/policydocs/ExitExam_FINAL.pdf

California exit exam study

This report examines early indicators that identify fourth-grade students in San Diego who are at risk of failing the California High School Exit Exam, discusses implications for when and how to intervene to address those factors, and makes policy recommendations.
Zau, Andrew C.; & Julian R. Betts. (2008). Predicting Success, Preventing Failure: An Investigation of the California High School Exit Exam. San Francisco: Public Policy Institute of California.
http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/report/R_608AZR.pdf