Overview
State law requires students in California public schools to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to receive a high school diploma. Education Code sections 60850 and 68051 authorized the development and implementation of the exam. The purpose of the CAHSEE is to improve student achievement in high school and make sure students who graduate from high school can demonstrate competency in English language arts and mathematics.
The CAHSEE is divided into two parts: English Language Arts and Mathematics. The questions address important state content standards that a High School Exit Examination Standards Panel, appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, felt students should master to graduate from high school. The English Language Arts section addresses state content standards through Grade 10. It consists of multiple-choice questions and a writing task. The reading portion of the exam covers vocabulary, informational reading, and reading literature. The mathematics portion of the test addresses state standards from Grades 6 through 8, including algebra. It consists of multiple-choice questions that cover number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, and probability and statistics.
Students who do not pass the CAHSEE in tenth grade have two additional opportunities to retake the exam during eleventh grade and three opportunities in twelfth grade. Only the part(s) not passed must be taken again. In addition, school districts are required by law to provide supplemental instruction aligned to state academic content standards for students who do not pass the exam.
Results and Summaries
- Class of 2006 CAHSEE Status Report (Cumulative Results)
- Class of 2006 CAHSEE Status Report (District-wide data)
Support and Resources to Assist Students Pass the CAHSEE
State laws require that districts provide support and resources to assist students who have not passed the CAHSEE.
Allocation of State Funds
Assembly Bill 1802 authorized the California Department of Education to allocate money to purchase materials for students who have not passed the California High School Exit Exam. All juniors and seniors in San Diego Unified who have not passed the CAHSEE are being offered CAHSEE Intensive Instruction and Services using these funds. Students in the graduating classes of 2008 and 2009 at 14 San Diego Unified high schools are using the individualized intervention materials provided by Peoples Education. The program consists of a workbook and a web-based instrument for each student in Spanish and English. Students at 15 San Diego Unified high schools are using the individualized Intervention materials provided by Revolution Prep. The program consists of a workbook and a web-based instrument for each student in Spanish and English.
Additional resources are being provided on an individual school basis and may vary from site to site. Resources include:
- Adelante materials and services
- Kaplan K-12 Learning Services materials and services
- Saturday classes
- Individual and small group instruction
- Tutoring by peers and teachers
- Independent study
- PLATO
- Extended day CAHSEE classes
- In-school classes
- Pull-outs from class
- CAHSEE Boot Camp
- Getting ready for CAHSEE Math & ELA materials from the San Diego County Office of Education
Assistance Past 12th Grade
Assembly Bill 347 requires districts to offer students who have failed one or both parts of the CAHSEE at the end of 12th grade the opportunity to receive intensive support and assistance for two years following the completion of 12th grade. San Diego Unified School District has implemented and is implementing the following to meet the objectives of AB 347:
- Principals and school counselors have received written notification of the district and site responsibilities in meeting objectives of AB347.
- Posters have been designed and delivered to each school site to be posted in grades 10, 11 and 12 classrooms.
- Class of 2006 and 2007 students who have not passed the CAHSEE and their parents are receiving
written notification of the new legislation and information on the supports the district is
offering. Supports may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
- Materials from Adelante and Kaplan Independent Study
- Adult education
- Extended day CAHSEE classes
- Web-based options
- Tutoring by peers and teachers
Related Resources
- CAHSEE Fact Sheet: English
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Spanish
- California Department of Education CAHSEE Website
Contact Information
Office of the Assistant Superintendent of High Schools
4100 Normal Street, Room 2140
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 725-7238
