The California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) was an examination created by the California Department of Education, that was previously mandated to administer in high schools statewide in order to graduate. The examination was suspended in 2015, when Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill undoing the decade old requirement (the bill went into effect January 2016). It was originally created by the California Department of Education to improve the academic performance of California high school students, and especially of high school graduates, in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. In addition to other graduation requirements, public school students needed to pass the exam before they could receive a high school diploma.[1]
Students first took the test in the beginning of their sophomore year. If they did not pass one or both of the two test sections, then they could retake the section or sections that they had not yet passed.[1] Up to 2 test (or 8) opportunities were available to students before the end of their senior year.
The test was originally intended to be required of students graduating in 2004, but full implementation was delayed until the class of 2006. Approximately 90% of students ultimately passed by the end of the 2005-2006 school year.[2] In 2010, 81% of 10th graders passed each of the two sections on their first try.[3]