Students who are not native English speakers are at a disadvantage because the standardized test assumes mastery of the English language. Asian and white students have a higher passing rate on the CAHSEE than Hispanic and African American students. Students learning English have the lowest passing rate. According to the California Department of Education, in 2006 one of every four English learners failed the exam.
Students must pass the CAHSEE exam to receive a diploma. Consequently, pressure on school districts and students to teach and practice for the exam can become the focus, decreasing student motivation and increasing stress. Passing the test instead of learning valuable educational skills and information becomes the priority.
Not all students learn the same, but like most exit exams, the standardized CAHSEE caters to those with "left-brained" learning styles. These students are better at memorization, learn well when lectured and are good at multiple choice questions. "Right brain" students understand concepts, but may think all the answers are plausible under the right conditions. Therefore, the test may not accurately reflect their knowledge.