Washington State Assessment System

Measuring Student Progress: Basic Skills and the Application of Knowledge

Washington students are regularly tested by the state to find out if they’re on track learning the important skills they need to be successful while in our schools and after graduation. Students are tested on basic academic skills (such as math computation) as well as more advanced skills (such as comparing and contrasting reading passages). Common statewide tests are important because they help make sure all students are getting a quality education regardless of where they live.

OSPI develops or selects and administers all state assessments and reports achievement data for individual students, schools, districts and the overall state. This information helps districts and schools refine instructional practices and focus curriculum. It also gives parents information about how well their child is doing and where additional help may be needed.

Tests given to Washington students statewide:

• Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) – The WASL measures student learning of the state’s academic standards. Students are tested each spring in grades 3-8 and 10 in reading and math. Students also are tested in writing in grades 4, 7 and 10 and science in grades 5, 8 and 10. Learn more.



• Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS) – The WAAS provides multiple ways for students with an Individual Education Program (IEP) to participate in the state testing system. Learn more.



• Second Grade Fluency and Accuracy Assessment – Every student is assessed at the beginning of second grade using a grade-level equivalent oral reading passage. Learn more.



• Washington Language Proficiency Test II (WLPT-II) – The WLPT-II annually assesses the growth of the state’s English language learners. Students in grades K-12 are tested in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Learn more.



• National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – NAEP is a national assessment that allows educational achievement to be compared across states. Federal law requires every state to give the NAEP in reading and math at grades 4 and 8 every two years. States and school districts that receive Title I federal funding to aid educationally disadvantaged students in high poverty areas must participate in these assessments. Other subjects also are tested. Learn more.



• Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) and Classroom-Based Performance Assessments (CBPAs) – The state supports the development of classroom-based assessments that are based on the state’s learning standards and help guide day-to-day instruction. State curriculum specialists create tasks and questions that model good assessments and provide them to local school districts. Learn more.