November 15, 2011

Dear CAHSEE Coordinator:

2010–11 California High School Exit Examination Waiver Data Collection

The purpose of this letter is to provide information regarding the collection of waiver data pursuant to California Education Code (EC) Section 60851(c). EC Section 60851(c) authorizes the waiver, by local educational agency (LEA) governing boards, of the requirement to pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) as a condition of receiving a high school diploma for students with disabilities (SWDs) who test with modifications and score 350 or above on one or both parts of the CAHSEE. Based on California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 1207.1, the California Department of Education (CDE) must collect CAHSEE waiver information from LEAs for those SWDs in the Class of 2011 who:

• Had an active individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan that indicated the student was scheduled to graduate with the Class of 2011.

• Took one or both portions of the CAHSEE with one or more modifications and received the equivalent of a passing score (350 or above).

The CDE has automated the process to minimize your data collection and reporting burden. The collection system relies on the:

• 2010–11 CAHSEE Waiver Data Collection Instructions (provides password to access the form).

• 2010–11 CAHSEE Waiver Data Collection Form (a password-protected Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet).

All LEAs that received a request for a CAHSEE waiver in the 2010–11 school year
(July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011), whether the waiver was approved or denied, must complete and submit to the CDE the 2010–11 Waiver Data Collection Form. The instructions and form are attached to this letter, and are also available on the CDE CAHSEE [http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/] Web page under the heading 2010–11 Waiver Data Collection.

Any LEA that did not receive a request for a CAHSEE waiver in the 2010–11 school year must notify the High School & Physical Fitness Assessment Office via e-mail at cahseedatacollections@cde.ca.gov. Include in your
e-mail your LEA name, your County-District-School code (CDS code), and state that your LEA did not receive any requests for a CAHSEE waiver.

Your completed waiver data collection form or e-mail indicating your LEA did not receive a request for a CAHSEE waiver in the 2010–11 school year must be submitted via e-mail to cahseedatacollections@cde.ca.gov no later than December 31, 2011. Early submissions are encouraged. For questions about the CAHSEE waiver process or the data collection process, please contact Deborah Probst, Education Programs Consultant, High School & Physical Fitness Assessment Office, by phone at 916-319-0362, or by e-mail at cahsee@cde.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

/s/                                                                                                             /s/

Diane Hernandez, Acting Director                                                      Fred Balcom, Director
Assessment Development & Administration Division                   Special Education Division

DH/FB:dp
Attachments

cc: Special Education Local Plan Area Directors
      Charter School Division
      Special Education Division