Washington students take state and federal tests regularly to assess their progress as well as the progress of the educational system as a whole. 

State Testing

State tests include the following:

• Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA): English language arts (ELA) and math tests
• Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS): Science test for grades 5, 8 and 11
• Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM): ELA, math, and science alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive challenges documented in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Appealing a High School Test Score

Parents and guardians can request an appeal to rescore a high school test being used as a graduation pathway. 

Test Administration

Test Coordinators and Administrators oversee and manage their school district's assessment activities. Information is available for test administration for Smarter Balanced, WCAS, WA-AIM, and ELPA21.

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a survey of student achievement in core subject areas. NAEP measures what students across the country know and can do in 10 subject areas, including mathematics, reading, writing, and science.

Timelines/Calendar for Assessments

Timelines and calendars for state assessments.

Test Waiver

House Bill 1599 (2019) removed Smarter Balanced Assessments as a graduation requirement for the Class of 2020. The Class of 2019 can apply for a test waiver. 

Other Tests

• English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21)
• OSPI-Developed Assessments (formerly CBAs)

OSPI has suspended, for the 2019-20 school year, the verification reports required for the Arts, Health and Physical Education, Social Studies RCW 28A.230.095 and for Educational Technology RCW 28A.655.075.

• Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS)