State Testing in Washington: Grades 3–8
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.
State Testing Windows
Testing is scheduled within the
windows listed below. Contact
your local school district to find
out which dates your child will
be testing.
State Testing FAQ
Why does my child need to
take state tests?
Most students in grades 3–8 will take the
Smarter Balanced tests in ELA and math, and
the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) in
science. 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).
State testing is required by state and
federal laws. It isn’t the only way to
find out how a student is doing in
school, but it might help identify
learning issues sooner rather than later.
STATE TESTING WINDOWS
In high school, passing state tests or
approved alternatives shows students
have a solid foundation of academic
skills, no matter where they went to
school or what they choose to do
after they graduate.
May I view my child’s test?
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.
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
ELA
Math
Science
English Language
Proficiency
*
t
t
t
t
t
9th
12th
**
**
**, +
t
t
t
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Apr 18–
June 3:
MSP Science
3
Level Nearly Meets Achievement
Standard: May require
further development to
demonstrate the knowledge
and skills in a subject.
2
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.
+
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.
t
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
Smarter Balanced
Level Meets Achievement
Standard: Demonstrates
progress toward mastery of
the knowledge and skills in a
subject.
t
** Necessary only if student has not met state assessment graduation requirement.
Mar 7–
June 10:
4
11th
*
ELPA21
Level Exceeds Achievement
Standard: Demonstrates
advanced progress toward
mastery of the knowledge and
skills in a subject.
10th
Feb 1–
Mar 11:
What Does a State Test
Score Mean?
Tests by Grade Level in 2015–16
3rd
WA-AIM
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.
For test security reasons, students may
not discuss the content of state tests
with their friends and family. However,
families are welcome to review their
child’s tests after they are scored.
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.
Oct 19–
Apr 8:
Level Does Not Meet
Achievement Standard:
Needs substantial
improvement to demonstrate
the knowledge and skills in a
subject.
1
www.YourChildsProgress.com
August 2015, Publication No. 15-0037