Testing & Assessment
WASL
Each spring, students in every district across the state will take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). While the WASL is important, it should be remembered that it is just one of many indicators that educators use to gauge teaching and students’ progress. We examine and analyze WASL scores as we do other data, and use the findings to improve our instruction.
While passing a test in order to graduate may cause some concern for students, parents and educators, it is helpful to remember that a number of actions are being taken to address these concerns:
Each spring, students in every district across the state will take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). While the WASL is important, it should be remembered that it is just one of many indicators that educators use to gauge teaching and students’ progress. We examine and analyze WASL scores as we do other data, and use the findings to improve our instruction.
While passing a test in order to graduate may cause some concern for students, parents and educators, it is helpful to remember that a number of actions are being taken to address these concerns:
- The high school WASL is not a one-time only do-or-die test. Students will be able to re-take WASL subject tests a number of times if they desire.
- For students who have trouble with test-taking, a non-WASL alternative is being developed. This is likely to involve some combination of the student’s grade point average and a collection of the student’s coursework.
- Elma schools are implementing individual student learning plans for those students who need some extra support to meet the standard of a WASL subject.
- The Elma School District is offering additional summer school courses for students who need extra help on one or more of the WASL subject areas.
- Our state legislature is in the continual process of refining how the WASL should work. Expect more changes; let your legislators know how you feel.
Alternatives to WASL
Students who have the skills but are unable to pass the WASL may use the Certificate of Academic Achievement Options. Students may access the options after taking the WASL once.
The Certificate of Academic Achievement Options are:
• Collection of Evidence – Students compile a set of classroom work samples with the help of a teacher(s). Collections for students in Career and Technical Education programs can include work from their program and other classes. The state scores collections two times a year.
Pass a standardized test (SAT, ACT, AP)
• Fee Waivers are available for eligible students to take the approved SAT, ACT and AP assessments.
• SAT or ACT – Students may use their math, reading or English and writing scores on college readiness tests.
+ Minimum math scores: SAT – 470; and ACT – 19.
+ Minimum SAT and ACT reading and writing scores: State Board of Education to determine .
• PSAT – No longer an option
• Advanced Placement (AP) – Students may use a score of three or higher on select AP exams.
+ Math: Calculus or Statistics
+ Writing: English Language and Composition
+ Reading: English Literature and Composition, Macro/Microeconomics, Psychology, United States History, World History, United States Government and Politics, or Comparative Government and Politics
• Grades Comparison – A student’s grades in math courses and/or English courses are compared with the grades of students who took the same courses AND passed the WASL. This option is available to students in 12th-grade. To access this option, a student must have an overall cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale.