The California High School Exit Exam

WHAT IS THE CAHSEE? The CAHSEE is a test of language arts and math skills. Beginning with the class of 2006, all high school students must pass the CAHSEE in order to receive a diploma. The test is designed to ensure that graduating seniors have basic competencies in math and language arts.

WHEN DO STUDENTS TAKE THE CAHSEE? Students first take the exit exam during their sophomore year. Students not passing the exam have five additional opportunities to pass the exam prior to graduation.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT DOES NOT PASS ONE OR BOTH SECTIONS? Students will have opportunities to retake each section or the entire exam, if needed. Students do not have to retake passed sections. For example, a student takes the exam in the tenth grade and passes the language arts portion, but not mathematics. The next time the student takes the exam, he/she will only have to take the math portion. Schools must provide additional instruction to those students who do not pass one or both parts of the CAHSEE.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE THE CAHSEE? Yes. The CAHSEE is required in order to receive a diploma, and is also used to maintain a school’s accountability. Therefore, it is very important for your child to take and pass the exit exam.

LANGUAGE ARTS The language arts portion covers standards up to and including those taught in the tenth grade. This section is divided into two parts: critical reading and writing. The critical reading portion involves reading comprehension skills, and also tests vocabulary. The writing section tests a student’s knowledge of basic writing (including using proper formatting), and requires students to complete a short writing assignment on a provided topic.
MATHEMATICS The math section of the CAHSEE includes mathematical concepts found in courses up to and including Algebra I. Topics covered include statistics, data analysis, number sense, operations with numbers, measurement and geometry, decimals, fractions, percentages, and algebraic functions.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAHSEE? You may contact your school for more information. Additionally, the State of California maintains websites with information. Visit www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/faq.asp to get started.