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Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL)
PLEASE NOTE: click on “WASL” on the left nav to find links to frequently asked questions, test questions, see your child’s test, etc.
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| Class of
2009 Graduation Toolkit |
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The Class of 2009 Graduation Toolkit is provided for educators and
families to better understand state graduation requirements. As in
2008, the toolkit will be periodically updated with new
materials/handouts and if any changes occur during the 2009
Legislative session. School districts should ensure all key
personnel are aware of the toolkit. All handouts listed in the
toolkit are available for download at
http://www.k12.wa.us/Resources/default.aspx. (pdf)
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Teacher Resource Tool
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The Web-based teacher resource tool assists teachers with information about the test questions on the 2008 Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science WASL Assessments.
To view the new site click here.
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Key Dates
- Results from Spring 2008 High School WASL Testing: Students in grades 3-8 will begin to receive individual score reports in early September. If you have any questions about your child's score report or don’t receive a score report, please contact your District Assessment Coordinator. Click here for a full listing of the state's District Assessment Coordinators.
- Results from August 2008 high school WASL testing: The testing window (August 11-14) for the August 2008 high school WASL is now closed. Students who tested in August 2008 will receive individual student score reports in December.
Sample WASL letters for districts and schools
WASL Letters to Families (Fall 2008): Below are templates for schools to send to families regarding spring WASL testing to send at the beginning of the school year.
- High School WASL Letter (Word)
- High School WAAS Letter (Word)
- Grades 3-8 WASL Letter (Word)
WASL and Graduation Requirements
- State Testing 2009: A two-page handout for families about the state
assessment system. (pdf) Updated October 2008
- Class of 2009: Meeting State Standards by Graduation (pdf) Updated October 2008
A checklist for students and counselors to determine whether a student has met the reading, writing and math state graduation requirements.
- How to read a WASL Score Report: Did you just receive your child’s WASL Score Report and aren’t sure what everything means. This handout helps you read each section so you can better assess your child’s performance. (pdf) NEW
- Overview of Certificate of Academic Achievement Options (pdf) Updated September 2008
There are many alternatives to the WASL testing called Certificate of Academic Achievement Options. This handout covers the many ways to meet the high school reading, writing and math assessment standards.
- "Earning a Diploma: The Class of 2009 and Beyond" (pdf) BW (pdf) Updated September 2008
Graduation requirements for students in the class of 2009 and beyond. Translated into nine languages. School districts can send home with WASL Score Reports in June and/or at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year.
Cambodian (pdf),
Chinese (pdf),
Korean (pdf),
Punjabi (pdf),
Russian (pdf),
Somali (pdf),
Spanish (pdf),
Tagalog (pdf),
Vietnamese (pdf)
- “Earning a Diploma: The Class of 2008”
(pdf)
B&W (pdf)
NOW TRANSLATED(NEW)
Graduation requirements for students in the class of 2008.
This document is now available in nine languages.
Cambodian (pdf),
Chinese (pdf),
Korean (pdf),
Punjabi (pdf),
Russian (pdf),
Somali (pdf),
Spanish (pdf),
Tagalog (pdf),
Vietnamese (pdf)
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Options for Students Not Graduating After Four Years of High School (pdf)
NOW TRANSLATED
(NEW)
Many free and paid options exists for students who don’t graduate after four years of high school.
This document is available in nine languages.
Cambodian (pdf),
Chinese (pdf),
Korean (pdf),
Punjabi (pdf),
Russian (pdf),
Somali (pdf),
Spanish (pdf),
Tagalog (pdf),
Vietnamese (pdf)
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What is the WASL?
The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) measures student learning of skills and knowledge important to our children’s success in school and life. Educators use WASL results to improve teaching and to do a better job of meeting every student’s academic needs.
Why do we require students to demonstrate that they can
read, write and do math in order to graduate? Why do we use the WASL
rather than a national test? Is the WASL fair? Get the answers
to these questions by reading "Education reform
is about the skills, not the test."
Reading, Mathematics,
Writing, Science
The WASL is a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-response questions. The WASL also has no testing time limits, so students can take their time.
Students in grades 3-8 and 10 take the WASL each spring in reading and math. Students also are tested in writing in grades 4, 7 and 10, and science in grades 5, 8 and 10.
The WASL and Graduation
Students must show they have a certain level of skill in reading, writing and math to be eligible to graduate. Students have a variety of ways to meet the graduation requirement:
- Pass the WASL.
- Pass a state-approved alternative – available after one try at the WASL.
- Students who receive special education services can use one of the options available under the
Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS).
- Students in the graduating classes of 2008-2012 may graduate without passing the math WASL or one of the alternatives, but they must continue to earn math credits and take the WASL once a year until graduation
if they do not pass.
Learn more about the graduation requirement.
WASL History
The Education Reform Law passed by the Washington State Legislature in 1993 required the state to create common learning standards for grades K-10. The law also called for a testing system that measured student learning of those standards.
The WASL is at the heart of the state assessment system but not the only way we measure student learning in Washington.
The WASL is used to meet state and federal testing requirements.
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