The State of Washington uses the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) for school districts to fulfill state and federal accountability requirements in English language arts (ELA) and math. Results from these assessments also provide educators, students, and parents meaningful results to monitor yearly progress and provide actionable data to help them succeed. These assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
The Smarter Balanced summative assessments are required and take place during the last 12 weeks of the school year. These computer-based tests will help schools evaluate how well their students performed by comparing them with students from other schools across the nation. The end-of-year assessments also will empower families by providing them with a clear indication of how well their child(ren) are progressing toward mastering the academic knowledge and skills necessary for college and career readiness.
Smarter Balanced Assessments in English language arts (ELA) and math are administered to students in grades 3-8 and 10. Passing the grade 10 Smarter Balanced Assessments in ELA and math fulfills one pathway option of the State Graduation Pathways requirement for students to receive a diploma.
The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) measures levels of student proficiency with Washington State K-12 Science Learning Standards. This assessment is used to fulfill state and federal accountability requirements in science. The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science is administered to students in grades 5, 8, and 11.
Your child’s school will communicate specific dates they will be administering the Smarter Balanced and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Assessments within the state administration window.
See the Smarter Balanced and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science websites for more information on the Smarter Balances Assessment and how to support your student.
