Although test results are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning. In 2007-2008 Washington used the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, in writing in grades 4, 7 and 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The WASL is a standards-based test that measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. Students are required to pass the grade 10 WASL in order to graduate from high school.

Although test results can be an indicator of what's happening in the classroom, they don't tell you everything about the quality of a particular school. Always look at more than one measure when judging school quality and visit in person before making any final assessment.

The information provided on GreatSchools profiles is for the 2007-2008 school year.

Tests in Washington Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), a state standards-based test, is used to measure how well students are meeting the state's grade-level expectations. In 2007-2008, students were tested in reading and math in grades 3 through 8 and 10, in writing in grades 4, 7 and 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. In 2008-2009, tests in social studies, the arts and health/fitness will be added.

What types of questions are on the WASL? The WASL includes multiple-choice, short-answer and essay questions.

What other tests are given in Washington? Students in grade 2 take an oral reading assessment.

How are teachers supported in preparing students for statewide tests? Washington has a network of Regional Learning and Assessment Centers (RLACs) throughout the state. At these centers, assessment trainers work with classroom teachers and provide staff development seminars to assist teachers in making assessment part of their classroom routine. In addition, state-level curriculum specialists develop classroom-based assessments that teachers can use to help guide day-to-day instruction. This program is designed to support teachers, and ultimately, students. The state is working on making these services more widespread throughout the state and providing more time for teachers to become trained in how to use assessment results to drive classroom instruction.

What are the Essential Academic Learning Requirements? The Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs, pronounced "EEL-ers") are Washington's state learning standards in the content areas of reading, writing, communication, math, science, social studies, the arts and health/fitness. These standards represent the specific academic skills and knowledge defined by the state for each grade level. The WASL currently measures achievement in reading, writing, communication, math and science, and eventually will include tests in other areas.

How does the WASL affect promotion from one grade to the next? The WASL was not designed as a grading or promotion/retention tool. The test measures what students have learned and is designed to help teachers improve instruction and provide targeted assistance in areas in which students need help. However, schools may use the test results as one factor in making retention and promotion decisions.

Does Washington have a high school exit exam? The class of 2008 was the first class to be required to pass the grade 10 WASL in reading and writing in order to graduate. Math and science will be added to the requirement for the class of 2013 and beyond. For the classes of 2008-2012, students can meet the state's math requirement by passing the math WASL or by continuing to earn math credits until they graduate. Students who pass the reading, writing and math assessments will earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement and a high school diploma. Students who fulfill the math requirement by earning math credits will not receive a certificate but will earn a diploma. Beginning in 10th grade, students will have multiple opportunities to retake the test, and they will be given targeted assistance during their last two years of high school.

Details about WASL graduation requirements for each graduating class can be found here.

Are some students given special considerations? All WASL tests are untimed, which means students are given as much time as they reasonably need to complete the test. The state offers other accommodations to students with special needs (including special education students, English language learners, migrant students and highly capable students). The object is for nearly all students to have access to some or all parts of the WASL.

In addition, the Washington Alternative Assessment System (WAAS) is provided for special education students who cannot fully participate in all or some of the content areas of the WASL. The WAAS has been designed to measure progress toward each student's goals as part of his Individual Education Plan (IEP).

How are the tests scored? WASL results show the level of proficiency a student demonstrates in each of the subject areas tested. Students are rated at one of four levels: level 4 (exceeds standard), level 3 (meets standard), level 2 (below standard) and level 1 (well below standard). The goal is for all students to meet or exceed standards on the test.

Which results are included on GreatSchools profiles? For each subject, the combined percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards (levels 3 and 4) is displayed.

GreatSchools also displays subgroup results to show how different groups of students are scoring in comparison to the overall student population in a given grade and subject. These subgroups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

Why do the tests matter? Washington test results provide an indication of whether students are making progress toward mastery of state content standards, and test results are one factor that schools in Washington may use in determining whether students should be promoted from one grade level to the next. High school students must pass the grade 10 WASL in reading and writing to graduate. Students will be given multiple opportunities to take the test if they do not pass it the first time.

It is important to be aware of both your child's score on the assessments and the overall score for his school. If your child scores below the standards, contact his teacher to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child's learning at home.

If the school's overall scores are low, ask what steps the school is taking to raise achievement levels for all students, and what you can do to help. If your child is in a failing school, ask what your options are for obtaining supplemental services or for transferring to a higher-performing school.

Additional Resources The Partnership for Learning This independent, nonprofit organization supported by Washington business and community leaders works to increase public awareness and understanding about Washington's efforts to improve the quality of education. The organization's Web site offers in-depth information on the WASL, as well as frequently asked questions and answers about the test and sample test questions. The information in this article was provided, in part, by the Partnership for Learning.

0SPI: Assessment This Web page from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has information on assessments. Here you can see sample test questions and answers. Order the free publication, "Reaching Higher," by clicking here. This 50-page pamphlet, which includes a testing overview, sample questions and annotated student responses, is designed as a parent's guide to the WASL.

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Updated October 2008