Executive Summary Background

California has moved through the second year of its schedule for requiring a graduation exam in mathematics and English- language arts (ELA) beginning with the Class of 2004. As is the case in nearly half of the states in the country, California began this initiative in response to widespread support for high standards and for some mechanism that holds students to them. This component of California’s testing program is intended to ensure that all students graduating from high school can demonstrate grade level competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. The California Education Code, Chapter 8, Section 60850, specifies requirements for the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE). Since January 2000, the California Department of Education (CDE) has worked with a development contractor, the American Institutes for Research (AIR), throughout the development and tryout of test items for use in the CAHSEE and to develop and implement procedures for operational administration, scoring, and reporting. The first operational administration to 9th graders on a volunteer basis was completed in March and May of 2001. Results from these administrations were released in August 2001. The California legislation specifying the requirements for the new exam also called for a