CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAMINATION (CAHSEE)

(Education Code §§48980(e), 60850, 60851(c), and 60852.3)

All California public school students are required by state law to satisfy the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) requirement, as well as all other state and local requirements, in order to receive a high school diploma. The CAHSEE requirement can be satisfied by passing the exam or, for students with disabilities, receiving a local waiver or exemption pursuant to Education Code Section 60851.1(c) or 60852.3. All students, including English learners and students with disabilities, must take the CAHSEE for the first time in grade ten. Students who do not pass the exam in tenth grade will have additional opportunities in grades eleven and twelve to retake the part(s) not passed.

 What the CAHSEE Covers

The exam is divided into two parts: (1) English-language arts (reading and writing) and (2) mathematics. All questions are aligned to California content standards adopted by the State Board of Education. Content standards describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level from kindergarten through grade twelve. Your school can provide you with information on the content standards assessed by the CAHSEE, or you can download the CAHSEE test blueprints located on the Internet at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/admin.asp.

 Requirements for Passing the CAHSEE

Students must earn a score of 350 or higher on each part of the CAHSEE (English-language arts and mathematics) to pass the exam. Students do not need to pass both parts of the exam during the same administration in order to satisfy the CAHSEE requirement.

CAHSEE Program Resources and links to study guides:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/resources.asp

Testing Dates

The CAHSEE will be administered at your student’s school site during regular school hours on the dates specified in the chart below. Students in grade ten must take the CAHSEE during the March 2014 administration. For grade ten students who are absent, a make-up administration will be offered in May. Grade eleven and twelve students who have not passed one or both parts of the CAHSEE will be offered the exam on the dates listed in the chart below.

 *Seniors who have met all graduation requirements except the CAHSEE may take tests up to two years after exiting from high school.

*Seniors who have met all graduation requirements except the CAHSEE may take tests up to two years after exiting from high school.