Washington State K–12 Learning Standards

Basic education in Washington state is defined by the Legislature (RCW 28A.150.2). As required by state law, OSPI develops the state's learning standards (RCW 28A.150.210) and oversees the assessment of the learning standards (RCW 28A.655.070) for state and federal accountability purposes. A national effort is underway to develop Common Core State Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics for grades K-12. We call our learning standards Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), which define what all students should know and be able to do at each grade level.

Print Orders are available through MyPrint.wa.gov

Four learning goals provide the foundation for the development of all academic learning standards in Washington state:

• Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of audiences;
• Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history, including different cultures and participation in representative government; geography; arts; and health and fitness;
• Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and to integrate technology literacy and fluency as well as different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems; and
• Understand the importance of work and finance and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities.