CAHSEECalifornia High School Exit
Exam
OVERVIEWOVERVIEW Purpose of the CAHSEEPurpose of the CAHSEE Background Background Contents of the CAHSEEContents of the CAHSEE School AccountabilitySchool Accountability Lawsuits against the CAHSEE and 2006 disability waiverLawsuits against the CAHSEE and 2006 disability waiver Options for students who do not pass the CAHSEEOptions for students who do not pass the CAHSEE CAHSEE Survey distributed to faculty at South El Monte CAHSEE Survey distributed to faculty at South El Monte
High SchoolHigh School Demographics of SEMHSDemographics of SEMHS Survey resultsSurvey results Pros and Cons of the CAHSEEPros and Cons of the CAHSEE Recommendations regarding the future of the CAHSEERecommendations regarding the future of the CAHSEE
Background of the CAHSEEBackground of the CAHSEE
► Local proficiency standards were below high school level and Local proficiency standards were below high school level and did not correlate with state standards.did not correlate with state standards.
► Legislature wanted to set higher standards for high school Legislature wanted to set higher standards for high school graduation and proposed the CAHSEE.graduation and proposed the CAHSEE.
► Primary goal was to “ensure that pupils who graduate from Primary goal was to “ensure that pupils who graduate from high school can demonstrate grade level competency in high school can demonstrate grade level competency in reading, writing, and mathematics.reading, writing, and mathematics.
► State Superintendent of Public Instruction appointed members State Superintendent of Public Instruction appointed members to the High School Exit Examination Panel. The CAHSEE was to the High School Exit Examination Panel. The CAHSEE was developed based upon recommendations by the panel.developed based upon recommendations by the panel.
► 1999 CAHSEE state law enacted1999 CAHSEE state law enacted
(California Department of Education)(California Department of Education)
Purpose of the CAHSEEPurpose of the CAHSEE Improve public high school student achievementImprove public high school student achievement Show students can demonstrate grade level competency in Show students can demonstrate grade level competency in
reading, writing, and math.reading, writing, and math. Identify students who are not demonstrating grade level Identify students who are not demonstrating grade level
competency skills.competency skills. Districts are encouraged by CAHSEE results to provide Districts are encouraged by CAHSEE results to provide
additional attention and resources to students who are not additional attention and resources to students who are not acquiring grade level skills.acquiring grade level skills.
Students must pass the CAHSEE and meet respective district Students must pass the CAHSEE and meet respective district requirements to be eligible for high school graduation.requirements to be eligible for high school graduation.
(California Department of Education 2006)(California Department of Education 2006)
Contents of CAHSEEContents of CAHSEE2 parts2 parts
English – Language ArtsEnglish – Language Arts State content standards through State content standards through
grade 10.grade 10. Reading portion contains Reading portion contains
vocabulary, decoding, vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, and analysis of comprehension, and analysis of literary information in texts.literary information in texts.
Writing Portion contains writing Writing Portion contains writing strategies, applications and strategies, applications and grammar, spelling, and grammar, spelling, and punctuation. punctuation.
Mathematics Mathematics State Standards grades 6, 7, and State Standards grades 6, 7, and
Algebra 1.Algebra 1. Math portion includes statistics, Math portion includes statistics,
data analysis, number sense, data analysis, number sense, measurement and geometry, measurement and geometry, reasoning, and algebra.reasoning, and algebra.
Students must also be able to Students must also be able to demonstrate a foundation in demonstrate a foundation in computation and arithmetic.computation and arithmetic.
Test VariationsTest VariationsStudents are allowed to take the CAHSEE with any accommodations Students are allowed to take the CAHSEE with any accommodations
and modifications specified in IEP or 504 Planand modifications specified in IEP or 504 Plan
ACCOMMODATIONSACCOMMODATIONS
Definition:Definition: A variation in the environment that A variation in the environment that does not alter what the exam measures.does not alter what the exam measures.
Examples:Examples: Braille, math portion read to student. Braille, math portion read to student. If a student uses an accommodation, a standard passing score of If a student uses an accommodation, a standard passing score of
350 or above is a PASS. 350 or above is a PASS. English learners are required to take the exam, but may utilize a English learners are required to take the exam, but may utilize a
flexible setting or extra time. Students may hear the test directions flexible setting or extra time. Students may hear the test directions in their primary language.in their primary language.
Test Variations (Continued)Test Variations (Continued)
MODIFICATIONSMODIFICATIONSDefinition: A variation in the environment that alters what Definition: A variation in the environment that alters what
the exam measures.the exam measures.Examples: Use of calculator on math portion, ELA portion Examples: Use of calculator on math portion, ELA portion
read to student.read to student. If a student uses a modification, and earns a standard If a student uses a modification, and earns a standard
passing score of 350, the student has not passed – but passing score of 350, the student has not passed – but can request a waiver of the requirement.can request a waiver of the requirement.
Because a modification alters the test – the test is Because a modification alters the test – the test is marked “NOT VALID.”marked “NOT VALID.”
(California Department of Education 2004)(California Department of Education 2004)
If at first you do not succeed, try, try again
Students take the CAHSEE for the first time in the spring of 10th grade.
A student has five more times to take the exam.
Seniors may take the exam a seventh time in the spring of 12th grade, but results will not be posted in time for graduation.
School AccountabilitySchool Accountability
• The CAHSEE is used for school and The CAHSEE is used for school and district accountabilitydistrict accountability
• The CAHSEE is used for State and The CAHSEE is used for State and Federal accountabilityFederal accountability
• APIAPI• AYPAYP
Lawsuits against the CAHSEELawsuits against the CAHSEE
Disabilities Disabilities Other Graduation Other Graduation
Requirements MetRequirements MetAppropriate AlternativesAppropriate Alternatives
Options for students who do not pass the CAHSEE
1. Remedial supplemental instruction.2. Additional year(s) in high school or
alternative education program.3. Independent Study4. Adult School, Secondary Education5. Pass CA High School Proficiency
Exam. Must be 16 years or over to obtain diploma equivalent.
6. Pass GED – 18 years or older.
Pros of CAHSEEPros of CAHSEE
Standardized TestStandardized Test Sets a StandardSets a Standard New TestNew Test Ensures Basic Learning Skills are LearnedEnsures Basic Learning Skills are Learned
Cons of CAHSEECons of CAHSEE
Multiculturally BiasedMulticulturally Biased Disabilities/Time LimitDisabilities/Time Limit Overcrowded ClassroomsOvercrowded Classrooms Teaching to the TestTeaching to the Test Added Stress & PressureAdded Stress & Pressure
CAHSEE Survey 10 Questions Distributed to all faculty members at South El
Monte High School in South El Monte, CA. 80 surveys distributed 30 replies received 38% survey return rate
Demographics of SEMHS
• 1400 Students• 93% Hispanic or Latino• 5% Asian• 2% Other• 87% Socioeconomically disadvantaged• 80% Students participate in free or reduced lunch• Parent education level using a scale of 1-5, where 1
represents not a high school graduate , and 5 represents graduate school = 1.78
CAHSEE Survey
For each item below, please indicate your answer using a scale of 1-5, with the answer of 1 meaning Strongly Agree, and 5 meaning Strongly Disagree.
Strongly Agree 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree
1. The CAHSEE is a valid measure of student knowledge. ______2. The CASHEE connects well with the classroom curriculum. ______3. The CASHEE connects well with the CA Standards. ______4. The CASHEE is accessible to all students. ______5. The CASHEE is culturally biased. ______6. The CASHEE builds self-esteem. ______7. The CASHEE is an appropriate measure of teacher value. ______8. The CASHEE forces the teacher to “teach to the test.” ______9. The CASHEE is an effective tool to measure the knowledge of Special Education students. ______10. The CASHEE should be the determinate factor for graduating students from high school. _____
SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS
Descriptive Statistics
30 1.00 5.00 3.1333 1.27937
30 1.00 5.00 3.0000 1.14470
30 1.00 5.00 2.7333 1.20153
30 1.00 5.00 3.4000 1.56690
29 1.00 5.00 3.3793 1.37357
29 1.00 5.00 3.5517 1.35188
28 1.00 5.00 3.6071 1.42307
30 1.00 5.00 2.5333 1.30604
30 1.00 5.00 3.3667 1.62912
30 1.00 5.00 3.2333 1.50134
27
1. Valid Measure ofStudent Knowledge
2. Connects Well WithClassroom Curriculum
3. Connects Well With CAStandards
4. Accessible to AllStudents
5. Culturally Biased
6. Builds Self Esteem
7. Appropriate Measure ofTeacher Value
8. Teach to the Test
9. Measures Knowledgeof Special Education
10. Determinate FactorFor Graduation
Valid N (listwise)
N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation
Survey Results – ITEM1 The CAHSEE is a valid measure of student knowledge.
#1 Valid Measure of Student Knowledge
4 13.3 13.3 13.3
6 20.0 20.0 33.3
6 20.0 20.0 53.3
10 33.3 33.3 86.7
4 13.3 13.3 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Valid Measure of Student Knowledge
0
2
4
6
8
10
Fre
qu
ency
Valid Measure of Student Knowledge
MEAN 3.1333MEDIAN 3.0MODE 4.0
ITEM 2 The CASHEE connects well with the classroom curriculum.
#2 Connects Well With Classroom Curriculum
4 13.3 13.3 13.3
5 16.7 16.7 30.0
10 33.3 33.3 63.3
9 30.0 30.0 93.3
2 6.7 6.7 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Connects Well With Classroom Curriculum
0
2
4
6
8
10
Fre
qu
ency
Connects Well With Classroom Curriculum
MEAN 3.0MEDIAN 3.0MODE 3.00
ITEM 3 The CASHEE connects well with the CA Standards.
#3 Connects Well With CA Standards
6 20.0 20.0 20.0
7 23.3 23.3 43.3
7 23.3 23.3 66.7
9 30.0 30.0 96.7
1 3.3 3.3 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Connects Well With CA Standards
0
2
4
6
8
10
Fre
qu
ency
Connects Well With CA Standards
MEAN 2.7333MEDIAN 3.0MODE 4.0
ITEM 4 The CASHEE is accessible to all students.
#4 Accessible to All Students
7 23.3 23.3 23.3
1 3.3 3.3 26.7
5 16.7 16.7 43.3
7 23.3 23.3 66.7
10 33.3 33.3 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Accessible to All Students
0
2
4
6
8
10
Fre
qu
ency
Accessible to All Students
MEAN 3.4MEDIAN 4.0MODE 5.0
ITEM 5 The CASHEE is culturally biased.
#5 Culturally Biased
3 10.0 10.3 10.3
5 16.7 17.2 27.6
8 26.7 27.6 55.2
4 13.3 13.8 69.0
9 30.0 31.0 100.0
29 96.7 100.0
1 3.3
30 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
Valid
SystemMissing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative
Percent
MEAN 3.3793MEDIAN 3.0MODE 5.00
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Culturally Biased
0
2
4
6
8
10
Fre
qu
ency
Culturally Biased
ITEM 6 The CASHEE builds self-esteem.
#6 Builds Self Esteem
2 6.7 6.9 6.9
5 16.7 17.2 24.1
8 26.7 27.6 51.7
3 10.0 10.3 62.1
11 36.7 37.9 100.0
29 96.7 100.0
1 3.3
30 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
Valid
SystemMissing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative
Percent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Builds Self Esteem
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Fre
qu
ency
Builds Self Esteem
MEAN 3.5517MEDIAN 3.0MODE 5.0
ITEM 7 The CASHEE is an appropriate measure of teacher value.
#7 Appropriate Measure of Teacher Value
3 10.0 10.7 10.7
4 13.3 14.3 25.0
5 16.7 17.9 42.9
5 16.7 17.9 60.7
11 36.7 39.3 100.0
28 93.3 100.0
2 6.7
30 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
Valid
SystemMissing
Total
Frequency Percent Valid PercentCumulative
Percent
MEAN 3.6071MEDIAN 4.0MODE 5.00
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Appropriate Measure of Teacher Value
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Fre
qu
ency
Appropriate Measure of Teacher Value
ITEM 8 The CASHEE forces the teacher to “teach to the test.”
#8 Teach to the Test
10 33.3 33.3 33.3
3 10.0 10.0 43.3
10 33.3 33.3 76.7
5 16.7 16.7 93.3
2 6.7 6.7 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Teach to the Test
0
2
4
6
8
10
Fre
qu
ency
Teach to the Test
MEAN 2.5333MEDIAN 3.0MODE 1.0
ITEM 9 The CASHEE is an effective tool to measure the knowledge of Special Education
students.
#9 Measures Knowledge of Special Education
6 20.0 20.0 20.0
5 16.7 16.7 36.7
3 10.0 10.0 46.7
4 13.3 13.3 60.0
12 40.0 40.0 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Measures Knowledge of Special Education
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Fre
qu
ency
Measures Knowledge of Special Education
MEAN 3.3667MEDIAN 4.0MODE 5.00
ITEM 10The CASHEE should be the determinate factor for graduating students from high school.
#10 Determinate Factor For Graduation
7 23.3 23.3 23.3
1 3.3 3.3 26.7
8 26.7 26.7 53.3
6 20.0 20.0 73.3
8 26.7 26.7 100.0
30 100.0 100.0
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
Total
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00
Determinate Factor For Graduation
0
2
4
6
8
Fre
qu
ency
Determinate Factor For Graduation
MEAN 3.2333MEDIAN 3.0MODE 3.0
CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS The results of the survey indicate that there are many strong The results of the survey indicate that there are many strong
opinions against the CAHSEE.opinions against the CAHSEE.
7 out of 10 questions yielded a larger number of responses (mode) 7 out of 10 questions yielded a larger number of responses (mode) of negativity toward the CAHSEE.of negativity toward the CAHSEE.
When responses are averaged however, the survey results show When responses are averaged however, the survey results show that the opinions of the CAHSEE are indifferent, with majority that the opinions of the CAHSEE are indifferent, with majority averages being a 3. Respondents neither agree, nor disagree.averages being a 3. Respondents neither agree, nor disagree.
The average response of a 3 also shows that people do not have The average response of a 3 also shows that people do not have enough information about the CAHSEE to make an absolute enough information about the CAHSEE to make an absolute decision. The test is new and therefore teachers do not have decision. The test is new and therefore teachers do not have enough practical experience with the test. enough practical experience with the test.
FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS
• Revamp the test.• Consider options for students with
disabilities and for English Learners.
• Not an “end all” solution right now.• Monitor individual student
progress.
REFERENCESREFERENCES
California Department of EducationCalifornia Department of Education
www.cde.ca.govwww.cde.ca.gov