Effects of the California High School Exit Exam on Student Achievement and Graduation

This seminar will focus on the latest research from Sean Reardon, whose research focuses on the causes and consequences of educational and social inequality, and Michal Kurlaender, whose research focuses on education policy in K–12 and higher education.

Student-level data from four large California school districts was used to examine the impact of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) exam on student achievement and graduation rates.

In particular, Reardon and Kurlaender focus of the effects of failing vs. passing the CAHSEE in 10th grade on the subsequent achievement and graduation rate of students with relatively low math and ELA skills. 

Speakers include:

• Sean Reardon, Professor of Poverty and Inequality in Education, Stanford University
• Michal Kurlaender, Professor of Education Policy, University of California, Davis