Washington students are tested regularly by the state to assess their progress as they move through school. State tests include the following, and may be taken with or without tools, supports, or accommodations*:

Smarter Balanced: 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).
 

* Tools are available to all students and can be used at the student's discretion. Supports are available to English language learners and any student with a need identified by an educator. Accommodations are for students who receive special education services with a documented need noted in an IEP or 504 plan.

If a student's IEP documents the need for an accommodation that is not addressed within the guidelines, the student's IEP team may have their school district personnel submit a Non-Standard Accommodation Request form.

Grades 3-8

In grades 3-8, students take tests in ELA, math, and science for federal accountability.

High School

In high school, students take tests in ELA, math, and science for federal accountability. State tests may be taken with or without tools, supports, or accommodations. Students take the WA-AIM only if it's documented in their IEP.

The state legislature passes laws that determine graduation requirements. One of the requirements is that students pass tests, or state-approved alternatives. Required tests vary by expected year of graduation. A student's expected year of graduation is four years after he or she enters the 9th grade. (For example, if a student enters 9th grade in the 2017-18 school year, he or she is in the Class of 2021.)

State tests may be taken with or without tools, supports, or accommodations. Students take the WA-AIM only if it's documented in their IEP.

Other Assessments

• OSPI-Developed Assessments (formerly CBAs) and OSPI-Developed Performance Assessments (formerly CBPAs): The state develops classroom-based assessments based on the state's learning standards to help guide day-to-day instruction. State curriculum specialists create tasks and questions that model good assessments and provide them to local school districts.
• 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.
• WIDA Screener: WIDA Screener is an English language proficiency assessment given to new students in grades K–12 to help educators identify whether they are English language learners (ELLs). The screener aligns WIDA English Language Development Standards and assesses each of the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing. 
• WIDA Access Annual Assessment: The annual WIDA ACCESS assessment is an online annual assessment given to all students who qualify for English language development (ELD) services through the placement test. The annual assessment measures students' English language proficiency, both knowledge, and skills, in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Results from this test determine which students remain eligible to continue receiving ELD services.
• Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Skills (WaKIDS): This program helps bring families, teachers, and early learning providers together to support each child's learning and transition into public schools.