Do students with disabilities have to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in order to graduate with a high school diploma?

No. As of the 2009-10 school year, eligible students with disabilities are exempt from the requirement to pass the CAHSEE as a condition of graduation from high school (EC Section 60852.3). An eligible student, as defined in the law, is a student with an individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan that indicates that the student has satisfied or will satisfy all other state and local requirements to receive a high school diploma on or after July 1, 2009.

Students with disabilities are still required, in grade ten only, to take the CAHSEE for purposes of fulfilling the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). (This may be revised pending Senate Bill 172.)