California High School Exit Examination Questions and Answers (continued)

Do parents and guardians need to keep a copy of their student’s results?

Yes. It is important that parents and guardians keep a copy of the student report for their own records. The CDE does not keep a copy of individual student reports. Individual student scores are to be maintained by the student’s school district. The school district must ensure the records are maintained confidentially. (See Education Code Section 49073 and Title 20 United States Code Section 1232[g].)

How many opportunities do students have to pass the CAHSEE?

All students are required to take the CAHSEE for the first time in grade ten. Students who do not pass one or both parts of the exam in grade ten have up to two opportunities in grade eleven and up to three opportunities in grade twelve to retake the part(s) of the exam not yet passed. The CAHSEE testing schedule for the 2007–08 school year is posted on the CDE Web site. School districts select their testing dates from this schedule.

What happens if students do not pass the CAHSEE?

School districts are required to provide additional instruction to assist students who do not pass the exam. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their student’s school for information on the programs offered.

Is the CAHSEE used for school and school district accountability purposes?

Yes. The state and federal governments use the CAHSEE as a measure of school and school district accountability. The state accountability program is the Public Schools Accountability Act, and the federal accountability program is the No Child Left Behind Act. The use of CAHSEE results for these accountability programs in no way affects how the CAHSEE is used for individual student accountability.

How can parents and guardians get their questions answered about the CAHSEE?

Additional CAHSEE information is posted on the CDE Web site. Parents and guardians should direct their questions to their student’s teachers or contact the school principal or counselor.