CAHSEE
Beginning with the class of 2006, California requires that students pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), in addition to satisfying all other requirements, to receive a diploma. Beginning in 2009-10, students with disabilities may be exempted from passing CAHSEE as a condition for graduation if indicated in their IEP or 504 Plan.
The CAHSEE consists of two parts - English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The ELA part of the exam addresses state ELA content standards through grade ten. It consists of 79 multiple-choice questions as well as a writing task (essay) in which students are asked to respond to a specific topic or a literary or informational passage. The mathematics part of the CAHSEE addresses state mathematics content standards in grades six and seven and the first part of Algebra. The math part of the exam is composed of 92 multiple-choice questions. The CAHSEE blueprints provide more information on the content of the exam.
Students must earn a score of 350 or higher on each part of the CAHSEE (English-language arts and mathematics) to pass the exam, but students do not need to pass both parts of the exam in the same administration.
All students, including English learners and students with disabilities, must first take the CAHSEE in the tenth grade. If necessary, students will have additional opportunities in grades eleven and twelve to retake the part(s) not passed.
2009-2010 CAHSEE Testing Dates
| ELA - Tuesday | Math - Wednesday | Grade |
| July 28 | July 29 | 12 |
| November 3 | November 4 | 11 and 12 |
| February 2 | February 3 | 12 |
| March 16 | March 17 | 10th Grade Census |
| May 11 | May 12 | 10th Grade Make-up, 11, and 12 |
