Valenzuela/California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Lawsuit Settlement

San Bernardino County
Superintendent of Schools

Gary S. Thomas, Ed.D.
County Superintendent

Ted Alejandre
Assistant Superintendent

Assembly Bill 347, enacted into law*in October 2007, expands services available to students for up to two consecutive years after completion of grade twelve (currently students in the Classes of 2009 and 2010) who have not yet passed the CAHSEE under the Intensive Service and Instruction and the Middle and High School Counseling Programs.

In February 2006, Morrison & Foerster LLP representing California students unable to graduate as a result of failing the CAHSEE, filed a class action lawsuit against the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State of California, the California Department of Education, and the California State Board of Education. The lawsuit alleged that the State failed to provide students, especially those living in poverty, with an equal and reasonable opportunity to pass the CAHSEE.

The legislation calls for school districts, charter schools, and county superintendents that participate in a specified categorical funding program (the intensive instruction and services program) to offer services to students who did not pass the CAHSEE by the end of grade 12. The legislation also establishes oversight and monitoring responsibilities for county superintendents to verify that all participating LEAs notified eligible students and that those students who elected to receive services are served.

We must do what we can in California to see to it that students graduate high school prepared for the careers and post secondary options available to them in the 21st century global economy. Passing the High School Exit Exam ensures that students have met the critical standards required to receive their high school diploma, a stepping stone to their future.

Overview

• CCSESA 2010-11 Valenzuela Revised Protocol
• Applicable California Education Code Sections
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Valenzuela Requirements Timeline
• Valenzuela Visits Implementation Timeline

Documentation Review

• LEA Documentation Review Assurance and Checklist
• Form V-1 Districtwide Student Notice and Service Data Summary

Site Validation

• LEA Site Visitation Assurance and Checklist
• LEA Program Description of Services - Form 7.2

Additional Forms and Templates

• CSBA Uniform Complaint Procedure Board Policies and Sample UCP Classroom Notices (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
• UCP Notice and Complaint Form for Charter Schools (Spanish)
• Sample Student Eligibility Letter (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
• Sample Student Eligibility Letter with Option to Decline (Spanish)
• Sample Student Eligibility Posted Notice (Spanish) (Vietnamese)

For additional information, please contact: Ms. Veronica Robledo by e-mail or by calling (909) 386-2402