Mayra Ibanez, left, and Liliana Valenzuela embrace their attorney Chris Wood, center, after a news conference in San Francisco, Friday May12, 2006. An Alameda County superior court judge granted a preliminary injuction suspending California's high school exit exam for the class of 2006, potentially allowing thousands of students who failed the test to graduate.

SANTA ANA, CALIF. ? Alameda County Superior Court Judge Robert Freedman said Friday that students who are learning English or go to schools in poor areas aren’t as well prepared for the exit exam as their counterparts, making the test unfair.

“The negative effects of scarcity of resources continue to fall disproportionately on English language learners, particularly with respect to the shortage of teachers who are qualified to teach these students,” Freedman wrote in a ruling that blocked the exam as a diploma requirement.

It isn’t the first time the exam has been delayed, but it’s never come so close to the deadline.

Educators had mixed opinions on the ruling.

“I’m just really disappointed,” said Bill Habermehl, Orange County superintendent. “It’s not perfect, but at least we’re trying to hold all kids accountable and we’ve got kids who have really put a lot of time and effort into this program.”

Santa Ana Unified School District Supt. Al Mijares did not like the timing, but he said he understands.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said he would request an emergency stay from an appellate court. He’ll push for a decision by next week.

While the court could issue a decision that quickly, it’s possible students and educators will have to wait until the last minute to find out who will graduate.