CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam)

  What is the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)?
   The CAHSEE is an exam that all California students are required to pass in order to graduate from high school. There are two parts to the    CAHSEE: English-Language Arts and Mathematics. The English-Language Arts section contains multiple choice questions as well as one    essay. The Mathematics section has only multiple choice questions.

  What is on the CAHSEE?
   The English-Language Arts portion of the CAHSEE addresses state academic content standards through grade 10. The exam consists of    multiple-choice questions and writing tasks. The reading and decoding portion covers vocabulary, informational reading, and literary reading.    The writing portion covers writing strategies, applications, and conventions. The exam has a written response to literature or an informational    passage or another written response to a writing prompt.

   The Mathematics portion of the CAHSEE addresses state academic content standards in grades 6-8 and Algebra 1. It includes statistics,
   data analysis and probability, number sense, measurement and geometry, mathematical reasoning, and algebra. Students also must
   demonstrate strong computational skills and a foundation in arithmetic, including working with decimals, fractions, and percents. The math
   exam consists of all multiple-choice questions.

   Why is it necessary to pass the CAHSEE?
   The purpose of the CAHSEE is to improve student achievement in high school and to help ensure that students who graduate from high
   school can demonstrate competency in state academic content standards for reading, writing, and mathematics.

   When do students have to take the CAHSEE?
   Students who are English learners are required to take the exam in tenth grade. As of the 2003-04 school year, students are required to pass
   both parts of the CAHSEE. If a student is absent on the spring administrative dates (March/May), the school district must offer a make-up
   exam at the next test date designated.

   How much time do students have to take the exam?
   General guidelines state that students have about four hours for the entire exam. However, check with your teacher or counselor for the
   exact amount of time.

   Can students use any special instruments while taking the exam?
   Students are not permitted to use any special instruments including calculators, dictionaries, class notes, cassette players, etc. However,    students with disabilities will be permitted to take the exam with any accommodation or modification specified for testing in their Individual    Education Plan (IEP). For information regarding special-needs students or other situations, please contact the High School Exit Exam Office
   at (916) 445-9449.

   What happens if students don't pass the CAHSEE the first time they take it?
   Students will have multiple opportunities to retake one or both portions of the exam.

   Where can students get help passing the CAHSEE?
   In some school districts, you can sign up for special classes. The instructors in these classes will teach you how to study and prepare for
   the California High School Exit Exam. You can also seek additional help in English and math classes during your junior and senior year in
   high school. In addition, you can work with tutors and counselors who can help you pass CAHSEE. Finally, after high school, adult
   education programs may provide assistance. For in-depth preparation and review for CAHSEE, American Book Company publishes books
   and software for the English-Language Arts and Mathematics exams. Call us toll free at 1-888-264-5877 or visit our Products sections
   on this web site.

   How is the CAHSEE scored?
   You are required to score 350 or higher on both the English-Language Arts and the Mathematics section of the California High School
   Exit Exam. For further information about scoring, contact your school counselor or contact the California Department of Education
   at (916) 445-9449.

   If you have any more questions or require additional information, please visit the official CAHSEE webpage:
   http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs or contact the main office.

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