Does a student in a California public school have to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to be eligible for a high school diploma?

All California public school students, except eligible students with disabilities, must satisfy the CAHSEE requirement, as well as all other state and local requirements, to receive their high school diploma. The CAHSEE requirement can be satisfied by passing the examination, or for eligible students with disabilities, meeting the exemption requirements pursuant to EC Section 60852.3, or receiving a local waiver pursuant to EC Section 60851(c).  more

Beginning in 2005-06, the answer is yes; all students in California public schools must pass the CAHSEE to be eligible for a high school diploma. The requirement for passage of CAHSEE applies to students in all types of public schools, including adult education, alternative schools, court and community schools, and schools operated by agencies of state government, such as the State Special Schools and the California Youth Authority. Moreover, the requirement for passage of CAHSEE applies to students with disabilities who are placed in nonpublic schools either in the state or outside of the state pursuant to their individualized education programs (IEPs).Students with disabilities are permitted to take the CAHSEE with accommodations and/or modifications included in the students' IEPs or Section 504 plans, provided the accommodations and/or modifications are specified for the CAHSEE (in particular), for standardized testing (in general), or for classroom instruction and assessment. An ...  more