Frequently Asked Questions About the WASL

Testing Students in Washington State

Testing Students

• 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 must pass this assessment or a state-approved alternative in reading and writing in order to be eligible to graduate.

• End-of-Course Assessments (EOC) End-of-course assessments for high school Mathematics are to be implemented statewide by the 2010-11 school year and replacing the Mathematics portion of the HSPE. End-of-course assessments for high school Science are to be implemented statewide by spring 2012 and replacing the Science portion of the HSPE.

• Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) This test was replaced in 2009-10 by the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) and the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).

• Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS) The WAAS provides multiple ways for students with an Individual Education Program (IEP) to participate in the state testing system.

• Second Grade Fluency and Accuracy Assessment Every student is assessed at the beginning of second grade using a grade-level equivalent oral reading passage.

• Washington Language Proficiency Test II (WLPT-II) The WLPT-II annually assesses the growth of the state’s English language learners. Students in grades K-12 are tested in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

• 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.

• Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) and Classroom-Based Performance Assessments (CBPAs) The state supports the development of classroom-based assessments that are based on the state’s learning standards and help guide day-to-day instruction. State curriculum specialists create tasks and questions that model good assessments and provide them to local school districts.