Frequently Asked Questions

Is this law?
Yes. (RCW 28A.655.065)

Are the CAA Options easier than the WASL/HSPE?
No. The CAA Options are designed – and required by law – to be as challenging as the  Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) or High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).

Who is eligible to use the CAA Options?
Students can use the CAA Options after taking the high school WASL/HSPE once, or if they transfer to a Washington public school in the 11th or 12th grade. There are specific requirements for these options.

Do eligible students have to use the CAA Options?
No. Students may take the HSPE. Students have five opportunities from spring of 10th grade to spring of their 12th grade year to take WASL/HSPE and earn a CAA.

May students keep taking the WASL/HSPE if they’re working on one of the CAA Options?
Yes.

May a student use the high school WASL/HSPE to meet standard in one area and use a CAA Option in the other(s)?
Yes.

Is there someone at each school parents/guardians and students can talk to about the CAA Options?
Yes. The school’s CAA Options building facilitator, the student’s counselor or the school principal.

Who is eligible for the Special, Unavoidable Circumstance Appeal?
Students in their 12th grade year who have not met standard on the HSPE (or an approved alternative), and experience a special, unavoidable circumstance that precludes their ability to access a state-approved assessment as a senior, may appeal to a state review board.

What is the Student Transfer Waiver?
Students who transfer into Washington public schools during their 11th or 12th grade year may apply to have the assessment graduation requirement waived if they have previously passed another state’s high school exam. These students also have immediate access to CAA Options. In addition, students exempted from the high school assessment in 10th grade because of their status as new non-English proficient (NNEP) also have immediate access to the CAA Options in the content areas where they received the exemption.