CAHSEE

The California High School Exit Exam(CAHSEE) is a graduation requirement for all students attending public high schools in the state of California. The goal of the CAHSEE is to make sure that each and every student that receives a diploma from a California High School has a basic understanding of english-language arts and mathematics. The exam test state content standards for grades 6 through 10. Students first take the CAHSEE during the second semester of the 10th grade. For students who do not pass the exam the first time, they can re-take the test up to 5 times annually for the next 3 years. Student performance on the CAHSEE is a major factor in school performance. The California Department of Education uses the CAHSEE results to assign academic performance index(API) scores to each school. Schools that receive low api scores as a result of poor student performance on the CAHSEE are subject to disciplinary measures and potential takeover by the govermnent. Many schools offer separate CAHSEE prep classes for students to assist them in passing. There are also several companies that offer online assitance for students who need extra tutoring. The mathematics section of the exam tests student knowledge in six main areas: Number Sense, Mathematical Reasoning, Algebra and Functions, Measurement and Geometry, Probability and Statistics, and Algebra 1. Here is a sample math question:

The solution for the problem shown above is C.

Here is a link to a video explanation.

The English section of the exam consists of several styles of questions. There are reading comprehension, sentence completion, and essay questions. Here is a sample English question:

Choose the answer that is the most effective substitute for each underlined part of the sentence. If no substitution is necessary, choose "Leave as is."

Requirerments for admission include obtaining a high school diploma, maintaining a minimum grade point average, and participating in community service.

A) obtaining a high school diploma, maintain a minimum grade point average and participate in community service.

B) to obtain a high school diploma, maintaining a minimum grade point average and participating in community service.

C) to obtain a high school diploma, maintaining a minimum grade point average, and to participate in community service.

D) Leave as is.

Correct Answer: D

What are your thoughts on the use of the CAHSEE as a graduation requirement for all high school students?