Statewide Testing

Washington's Comprehensive Assessment Program Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students, no matter where they go to school, receive a quality education. Washington students are regularly tested by the state to assess their progress as they move through elementary and middle school. In high school, students are tested on their proficiency of basic skills and must pass specific assessments to be eligible to graduate.

To learn more about state testing, visit www.WAtesting.com

Measurements of Student Progress (MSP)
The name of the MSP, given to students in grades 3-8, conveys the goal of the test: to measure student progress.

High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE)
This test measures the proficiency of students in high school and serves as the state’s exit exam. Students in the classes of 2011 and 2012 must pass this assessment or a state-approved alternative in reading and writing in order to be eligible to graduate. Students in the classes of 2013 must pass reading, writing, science and two math end-of-course exams in order to graduate.

End-of-Course (EOC) Exams
Beginning in spring 2011, students in grades 7-12 began taking end-of-course math exams. The state is moving to end-of-course exams so students can be tested on the knowledge and skills they’ve gained from a specific course rather than on a comprehensive test like the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) that assesses overall knowledge. In spring 2012, students will be offered an end-of-course exam in biology.

Sample Tests
State Test Questions and Practice/Sample Tests

Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS) is a component of Washington's comprehensive assessment program focused on providing access for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to the state testing system.

What are the three CAA Options?

Collection of Evidence
Students compile a set of classroom work samples with the help of a teacher. Collections for students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can include work from their CTE program and other classes.

GPA Comparison
A student’s grades in English courses and/or math courses are compared with the grades of students who took the same courses AND passed the HSPE. This option is available to students in their 12th grade year.

Advanced Placement and College Admission Test Scores
Students may use their scores on the SAT reading and math reasoning tests, ACT reading and math tests, and specified Advanced Placement examinations to show they have key skills.