State Testing in Washington: High School
State Testing Windows
The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires yearly testing of students in grades 3–8 and once
in high school in English language arts (ELA) and math, and in grades 5 and 8 and once in high
school in science.
Washington state also requires students to pass specific tests to be eligible to graduate from
high school. If a student does not meet standard on one or more tests required for graduation,
he/she may retake the test(s), or access a state-approved alternative.
Most high school students will take the Smarter Balanced tests and End-of-Course (EOC)
exams to satisfy these requirements. These tests may be taken with or without tools, supports,
or accommodations.
Students with significant cognitive challenges documented in their Individualized Education
Program (IEP) take alternate assessments in ELA, math, and science, called the Washington –
Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM).
Class of 2018 Tests Required for Graduation
CHOOSE 1:
• Smarter Balanced ELA test
• WA-AIM
CHOOSE 1:
• Biology EOC exam
• WA-AIM
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
ELA
Math
*
t
t
t
t
ELPA21
Mar 7–
June 10:
Smarter Balanced
4
Standard: Demonstrates
advanced progress toward
mastery of the knowledge and
skills in a subject.
Level Meets Achievement Standard:
3rd
English Language
Proficiency
Feb 1–
Mar 11:
Level Exceeds Achievement
Tests by Grade Level in 2015–16
Science
WA-AIM
What Does a State Test
Score Mean?
SCIENCE
CHOOSE 1:
• Algebra I or Geometry EOC exam
• Smarter Balanced math test
• WA-AIM
Oct 19–
Apr 8:
OSPI provides score reports
for every test your child takes.
Contact your local school
district to find out when your
child’s score reports will be
available.
Students learning to speak English in grades K–12 will take the English Language Proficiency
Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21). This assessment measures growth in reading,
writing, listening and speaking knowledge and skills in English. Students who score at the
Beginning, Advanced Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced levels on the ELPA21 qualify to
receive help learning English.
MATH
STATE TESTING WINDOWS
Last 3 wks EOC
of school:
State testing should never be the sole judge of a student’s academic skills and knowledge. If
you have questions about your child’s learning, please contact your child’s teacher or school.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Testing is scheduled within the
windows listed below. Contact
your local school district to find
out which dates your child will
be testing.
t
9th
10th
11th
12th
**
**
*
**, +
t
t
t
t
3
Demonstrates progress toward
mastery of the knowledge and
skills in a subject.
Level Nearly Meets Achievement
2
t
Standard: May require further
development to demonstrate the
knowledge and skills in a subject.
Level Does Not Meet Achievement
9th graders take a biology EOC exam only if they are taking that specific course. Students who take a biology EOC
exam before 10th grade and meet standard do not need to retake it in 10th grade. Passing a biology EOC exam is
required for the Class of 2017 and beyond.
1
Standard: Needs substantial
improvement to demonstrate the
knowledge and skills in a subject.
** Necessary only if student has not met state assessment graduation requirement.
+
Students with significant cognitive challenges documented in their IEP take an alternate science assessment in
11th grade, rather than 10th grade, when the biology EOC exam is typically administered.
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Necessary only for students learning to speak English. Students test to qualify to receive support and continue
to test, annually, until they reach English language proficiency.
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Old Capitol Building
P.O. Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
www.YourChildsProgress.com
August 2015, Publication No. 15-0045