Written by Naji Magee

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The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) is what everyone is talking about lately. Not only kids, but adults as well, are all stressed out and nervous over one exam. But what exactly is the CAHSEE? The CAHSEE is a three-part exam covering Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing.

CAHSEE asks students to be sufficient in basic problems that most students should have learned in the eighth or ninth grade. In order to pass the mathematics portion of the exam, the student should be able to understand basic algebra skills, be knowledgeable in probability, measurement, basic geometry, and basic statistics. On the Language Arts portion of the exam, the student is expected to be proficient in reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. The CAHSEE will also ask you to write a five paragraph essay based on a random topic. Your response should be well punctuated and should have a nice flow. A passing score for either part of the exam is a 350 or above.

Passing the CAHSEE on your first attempt is the ultimate goal, but should you do poorly your first time, you will be able to try again. Next week in the old gym, on February 2^nd and 3^rd, there will be a retake for all seniors if they haven’t passed. This is the last chance for seniors to be able to walk at graduation in June. Juniors and sophomores who have not passed yet, will have another chance on March 16^th and 17^th. Throughout high school, our district offers students seven chances to pass the CAHSEE, although the state offers districts additional opportunities for our students to take the exam.

There is a tutoring service called CAHSEE Prep, which Lincoln provides free of charge to help any student on campus. CAHSEE Prep is basically tutoring that can be taken online, in the classroom, or at home on your own time. What CAHSEE Prep basically does, is provides practice exercises and prepares you for what is going to be on the exam.

Maryanne Van Meter, Revolution Prep Regional Manager of Southern California, stated, “Revolution Prep is proud to partner with Lincoln High School to provide exceptional CAHSEE and Algebra Readiness courses. Lincoln students are able to take advantage of these courses for free, when on an individual basis the cost would be $50. This program becomes even more meaningful when considering that the average high school graduate earns about $500,000 more in their lifetime than someone who did not graduate from high school! If a student does not pass CAHSEE, they will not maximize their earning potential.” If half of a million dollars is not motivation for someone, I don’t know what is?

Revolution Prep also offers cutting edge programs for the college bound students as well. Revolution’s SAT/ACT prep courses, online programs and private tutoring can help students gain huge score improvements, enabling them to get into the colleges of their dreams and become eligible for more scholarship funds as well. Van Meter stated, “Revolution believes that quality education should be accessible to EVERY student and offer financial aid and scholarships to any student in need.”

Joe Wiseman, Vice Principal for the Center for Science and Engineering stated, “We’ve done research in my center and basically what I do is go to classes and I’ll count and keep up with who’s really on task with CAHSEE Prep. My results have shown in a class of 30, if 26 take this prep time seriously and do the work, they will usually pass the exam with above average results, and to me that’s awesome!”

The CAHSEE Prep class proves that tutoring does actually work, and that motivation and the ability to seek help makes a huge difference in a student’s success. “The paper that’s returned to you has your exact score on it, and also exactly what you missed or could’ve done better. So it’s more help. Take all the help you can get!” says Mr. Dustin Hawkins, counselor of Science and Engineering.

Unfortunately, there were some students who failed both parts of the test, and failed to seek additional help, and essentially failed to take control of their education. If a student does not pass the CAHSEE, they will not fulfill the San Diego Unified School District’s graduation requirement. “I was an emotional wreck as I sat in the stands and watched my peers walk, it really hurt me,” stated Aayona, a former Helix High School student, now 19 years old.

Do not give up on your education; seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone is capable!

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