What your state tests
Washington uses the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for ELA and math in grades 3–8 and grade 10, and the WCAS (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science) in grades 5, 8, and 11. All are run by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). For graduation, Washington uses a menu of graduation pathways rather than a single required test.
Which tests, which grades
- Smarter Balanced — ELA & MathGrades 3–8 and grade 10 (computer-adaptive, with a performance task)
- WCAS (Science)Grades 5, 8, and 11
- WA-AIMAlternate assessment for eligible students; WIDA ACCESS for multilingual learners
Format & subjects
The Smarter Balanced tests are computer-adaptive and include a performance task; WCAS is a computer-based science test. Item types range from selected response to constructed response and interactive tasks.
Is passing required to graduate?
Yes — but flexibly. Students must meet a graduation pathway in ELA and math. Options include meeting the SBA standard, qualifying SAT/ACT scores, AP/IB exam scores, dual-credit college courses, the ASVAB (armed services test), a CTE course sequence, or a transition course. This lets students demonstrate readiness in the way that fits them, plus complete required credits.
How it's scored
SBA reports four levels (1–4), with Level 3+ meeting standard — Level 3 is the bar for the SBA graduation pathway. WCAS reports science achievement levels.
Testing windows
SBA and WCAS are given in a spring window set by each district. Exact dates vary — check with your school.
How to prepare
- Practice & training testsOSPI provides free online practice and training tests for the computer-adaptive format
- Pick your pathwayKnow which graduation pathway you're pursuing and prepare for that measure
- Apply skillsSmarter Balanced rewards reasoning and applying skills across standards
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades participate; Washington allows some parent-requested exemptions in specific cases — ask your district.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take WA-AIM. Multilingual learners take WIDA ACCESS and may receive designated supports.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed accountability and the Washington School Report Card, guide instruction, and — via the graduation-pathway system — connect to high-school graduation.
Key facts
- ELA/MathSmarter Balanced (grades 3–8, 10)
- ScienceWCAS (grades 5, 8, 11)
- GraduationMeet one of several pathways (SBA, SAT/ACT, AP/IB, dual credit, ASVAB, CTE)
- AgencyOSPI
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: