Upcoming Test Administrations
The May 6-7 administration of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is the last administration for the 2007-08 school year. Important dates for the May administration are shown below along with dates for the first 2008-09 administration in July. Further information about material ordering, Pre-ID, and supplemental shipment deadlines can be found on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Web page (Outside Source). Questions about ordering deadlines should be directed to ETS at 1-800-241-5687.
Please keep in mind that grade 12 students who take the test in May will not receive their results until June 26.
| Administration Dates | Ordering Deadline | Pre-ID Deadline | Late-Pre-ID Deadline | Return of Test Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
May 6-7, 2008 |
March 24 |
April 2 |
April 22 |
June 26 |
July 29-30, 2008 (Grade 12 and Adult Education students only) |
June 13 |
June 24 |
July 17 |
September 25 |
Extra Mathematics Study Guides
The California Department of Education (CDE) has extra copies of the Preparing for the California High School Exit Examination: A Mathematics Study Guide. If you would like additional copies for your district, e-mail the number of booklets you are requesting along with your FedEx account number to CAHSEE at cahsee@cde.ca.gov. Requests will be filled until supplies run out.
Approval Process for Unlisted Modifications
As of the March 2008 CAHSEE administration, districts are required to request approval from CDE for any unlisted testing modification at least 30 working days before the administration of the exam. March 25 was the deadline for the May 2008 administration; districts have until June 16 to submit a request for the July 2008 exam. The Variation Request Form can be found on the CDE Web site. Remember, this process is only for test variations not included in the Testing Variations and Accommodations Matrix, which can be found at Accommodations and Modifications. If you have any questions, or if you are unsure as to whether you need to submit the request form, call the CAHSEE Office at 916-445-9449 or e-mail us at CAHSEE@cde.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Excessive Order Charges
Q: How can I calculate whether or not my district will be charged for excessive orders?
A: The formula for determining excessive orders is as follows: ([80% ordered] - # scored) x cost. For example, if 20,000 booklets were ordered, but only 10,000 tests were scored, the calculation would be ([20,000 x .80] – 10,000) x $1.08 = $6,480. However, the excess must be over 100 booklets for there to be any charges. The charge is calculated annually, so even if there is a large discrepancy in one testing administration, it may average out by the end of the year.
Q: How can I make sure I have adequate booklets for students who get added to the testing roster at the last minute?
A: Districts are automatically sent both a 10 percent overage to the district as a whole and a 5 percent overage to each school site, which is not counted as part of the excessive order charge.
Q: I cannot control if students are absent or if they pass on the first attempt, so how can I accurately predict how many tests I should order?
A: You can use last year’s passing and attendance rates to make a reasonable estimate.
Q: What if I have specific issues at my site that will make estimating my order difficult?
A: Try networking with districts that have similar issues. Other district test coordinators may have found solutions to the same challenges you are facing.
Waivers for Students with Disabilities
There are no exemptions for the Class of 2008. Students in the Class of 2008 may be eligible for waivers according to California Education Code Section 60851(c):
(1) At the parent or guardian's request, a school principal shall submit a request for a waiver of the requirement to successfully pass the high school exit examination to the governing board of the school district for a pupil with a disability who has taken the high school exit examination with modifications that alter what the test measures and has received the equivalent of a passing score on one or both subject matter parts of the high school exit examination. A governing board of a school district may waive the requirement to successfully pass one or both subject matter parts of the high school exit examination for a pupil with a disability if the principal certifies to the governing board of the school district that the pupil has all of the following:
(A) An individualized education program adopted pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) or a plan adopted pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 794(a)) in place that requires the accommodations or modifications to be provided to the pupil when taking the high school exit examination.
(B) Sufficient high school level coursework either satisfactorily completed or in progress in a high school level curriculum sufficient to have attained the skills and knowledge otherwise needed to pass the high school exit examination.
(C) An individual score report for the pupil showing that the pupil has received the equivalent of a passing score on the high school exit examination while using a modification that fundamentally alters what the high school exit examination measures as determined by the state board.
(2) A school district shall report to the state board, in a manner and by a date determined by the Superintendent, the number and characteristics of waivers reviewed, granted, and denied under this subdivision and any additional information determined to be in furtherance of this subdivision.
If you have any questions regarding waivers, call the CAHSEE Office at 916-445-9449 or e-mail us at CAHSEE@cde.ca.gov. Since students in the Class of 2008 and beyond are no longer allowed exemptions, districts should review students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) to make sure that students have the best chance of passing the CAHSEE. For more detailed information about how to assist students with disabilities pass the CAHSEE, refer to the January 28, 2008, Web document.
Planning for Next Year
Testing dates for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years are available on the Administrative Documents Web page and Testing Guidelines for 2008-09 will be available next month. You may refer to the following matrix to help plan testing dates for your site:
2008-09 |
July 29-30 | Oct. 7-8 | Nov. 4-5 | Dec. 6, 13 (Sat.) | Feb. 3-4 | Mar. 17-18 | May 12-13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grade 10 (Census and Make-up Only) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
X |
X |
X |
Grade 11 (two opportunities) |
- |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Grade 12 (three opportunities) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Grade 12/Adult Education (three opportunities) |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
X |
