Revisions to the California High School Exit Examination Regulations
At its March 7-8, 2007, meeting, the State Board of Education (SBE) approved a 45-day public review period for proposed amendments to the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) Regulations. The primary purposes of the proposed amendments are to:
- Introduce a fee for local educational agencies (LEAs) that order excessive test materials.
- Require LEAs to submit unlisted accommodations and modifications to the California Department of Education (CDE) for review and approval.
- Require charter schools to designate annually whether they will test as part of their chartering district or county office of education.
- Clarify the number of times students may take the CAHSEE in each grade.
- Permit grade eleven students to take the CAHSEE in successive administrations.
- Add demographic data elements collected for each student.
- Specify data reporting requirements and deadlines for the special education exemption and local waiver.
The 45-day public review period runs through May 7, 2007. Comments can be submitted in writing. Additionally, the CDE will hold a public hearing on May 7, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., at the California Department of Education, 1430 N Street, Room 1101, Sacramento, to receive written and oral public comments on the proposed amendments. The complete set of proposed amendments and instructions for providing comments are available on the Proposed Rulemaking and Regulations Web site.
Spring 2007 Test Administrations
The spring 2007 administrations of the CAHSEE were scheduled in February, March, and May. Student score reports from the February 2007 test administration were shipped to LEAs early this month, and score reports from the March 2006 test administration will arrive in LEAs by May 23. The final CAHSEE administration of the 2006-07 school year will be held May 8-9, 2007. The supplemental order deadline for this administration is May 2, and student score reports will arrive in LEAs by July 11.
2007-08 Testing Dates and Guidelines
Guidelines for scheduling CAHSEE administrations for the 2007-08 school year are now available on the CAHSEE Administration Web site. Beginning with the October 2007 test administration, LEAs will receive their CAHSEE student score reports within seven weeks after each testing date. Questions about scheduling CAHSEE administrations can be directed to the CAHSEE Office at 916-445-9449.
Assembly Bill 1802 Intervention Materials
Assembly Bill 1802 authorized the CDE to allocate $5,500,000 to LEAs for the purchase of SBE-approved, individualized, intervention materials for students who have not passed the CAHSEE. These funds are scheduled to be released mid-May. Student counts submitted to the CDE in September 2006 for CAHSEE Intensive Instruction and Services funds are being used for this disbursement. Next month, more information regarding this apportionment will be available on the Funding Results Web site.
Three companies were approved as providers by the SBE:
- Grow Network submitted MyGuide
Contact person: Darlene Hart
877-713-4093
E-mail: dhart@grow.net
- Peoples Education submitted Measuring Up
Contact person: David Shiffman
800-822-1080, ext. 322
E-mail: dshiffman@peoplesed.com
- Revolution submitted Revolution Prep
Contact person: Jake Neuberg
310-458-0575, ext. 8
E-mail: jake@revolutionprep.com
Web site: http://cahsee.revolutionprep.com (Outside Source)
Questions about these materials should be directed to Jennifer Nelson, Analyst, Standards and Assessment Division, at 916-319-0344.
Intervention Series
In February 2007, the CDE released the first issue of the CAHSEE Intervention Series, which provided an introduction to the series. The goal of this series is to provide information and highlight CDE resources available to teachers and administrators, as well as to provide insight on how to use these resources that will help students acquire the skills necessary to pass the CAHSEE. The next issue in the series, “Understanding the CAHSEE Intervention Process,” will be released next month. The series is available on the Intervention Series Web site.
Intervention Compendium
LEAs are encouraged to consider the various programs and strategies contained in the CAHSEE Intervention Compendium in planning intervention and supplemental instruction activities for their students. The programs and strategies in the compendium, which focus on CAHSEE preparation for first-time test takers and intervention for non-passers, have been found effective by one or more LEAs throughout the state. Special attention is given to the specific needs of adult students and English learners. The compendium is posted on the CAHSEE Resources Web site under “School, District, and County Assistance.”
The CDE welcomes additions to the Intervention Compendium. LEAs interested in contributing to this compendium are encouraged to share intervention and supplemental instruction programs and strategies they have found to be effective in helping their students pass the CAHSEE. Interested LEAs are invited to contact Linda Hooper, Consultant, CAHSEE Office, at 916-445-9449.
More Information
Additional information about the CAHSEE is available on CDE's CAHSEE Web site. Questions about the CAHSEE can be directed to the CAHSEE Office at 916-445-9449.
