SAMOHI HOMEPAGE I STUDENTS 

STUDENT TESTING
   During second semester, Samohi students are engaged in several testing programs. Each program provides meaningful information about how Samohi is meeting the needs of our students. In addition, these testing programs are used by the State as measures of how Samohi students perform compared to other high school students. The results create public measures of our school's performance. These are high stakes with a great deal of meaning for our school. We are providing you with information about each of these testing programs and ask that you take note of the dates that these test are given to students. It is our expectation that every eligible student will participate so that we can accurately show how our Samohi students are performing.

California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE)

The primary purpose of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is to significantly improve pupil achievement in public high schools and to ensure that pupils who graduate from public high schools can demonstrate grade level competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. The CAHSEE helps identify students who are not developing skills that are essential for life after high school and encourages districts to give these students the attention and resources needed to help them achieve these skills during their high school years. Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, no student will receive a public high school diploma without having passed the CAHSEE, as well as having met the district's requirements for graduation.

The CAHSEE has two parts: English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The ELA part addresses state content standards through grade 10. In reading, this includes vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, and analysis of information and literary texts. In writing, this covers writing strategies, applications, and the conventions of English (e.g. grammar, spelling, and punctuation). The mathematics part of the CAHSEE addresses state standards in grades 6 and 7 and Algebra I. The exam includes statistics, data analysis and probability, number sense, measurement and geometry, mathematical reasoning, and algebra. Students are also asked to demonstrate a strong foundation in computation and arithmetic, including working with decimals, fractions, and percents.
Testing Options for Tenth Graders: Tenth graders may only take the CASEE once while in tenth grade. Tenth graders who are absent during the scheduled administration of the exam will be provided with a make-up opportunity in either March or May.
Testing Options for Eleventh and Twelfth Graders: Beginning with the class of 2006, students in grade 11 and 12 who have not yet passed one or both sections of the CAHSEE can have up to two opportunities per year to take the sections not yet passed. Students may have one opportunity to pass the exam after completion of all other graduation requirements.

CAHSEE
Contact Larry Boone for more info

CST
   
California Standardized Testing (CST) and Reporting (STAR)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT
   Samohi has a substantial advanced placement program. Each course is aligned with the College Board's course of study. Specific test dates are arranged for each exam. Students who receive a particular score may become eligible for college credit.