The state tests explained for Washington parents
Each spring, Washington students take state tests: the Smarter Balanced assessments in English language arts and math in grades 3 to 8, and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) in grades 5 and 8. High school students take them again in grade 10 (Smarter Balanced) and grade 11 (WCAS). The tests are separate from the report card and from class grades.
The state tests at a glance
- Who takes them
- Smarter Balanced English language arts and math: grades 3 to 8, and grade 10. WCAS science: grades 5, 8 and 11. Parents with questions about their child taking part can talk with the school.
- What they cover
- Smarter Balanced checks reading, writing, listening, research and math against the state learning standards. WCAS checks science against the Washington K–12 Science Learning Standards (the Next Generation Science Standards).
- When
- Students test on a computer in the spring. Each school sets its own dates within a window OSPI announces each year, usually between March and June.
- How results are described
- Scores are reported in four levels. Level 3 means the student met the standard for the grade, and Level 4 means they exceeded it. Levels 1 and 2 mean they are still working toward it.
- Report card link
- State test scores don't change your child's report card. They are one more snapshot for families, teachers and schools. Families usually get a score report from the school or district after the tests.
Dates and details change from year to year. Your school and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) have the current information.
How to help your child feel ready
- Keep routines simple: regular sleep, a good breakfast and a calm morning.
- Read together often, then ask your child to retell what happened and explain why.
- Encourage short daily writing: a journal entry, a note or a list with reasons.
- Practice math with real problems (shopping, cooking, travel times) as well as math facts.
- Tell your child the tests show what they know. They are not something to fail.
Practice the grade-level skills with Gradelings: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade.
Common questions
Smarter Balanced is the state test in English language arts and math for grades 3 to 8 and grade 10. It is taken on a computer and adjusts to how your child answers. It includes a longer task that asks students to explain their thinking.
The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science is the state science test in grades 5, 8 and 11. It asks students to use science ideas and practices to explain events and solve problems.
No. They are separate. Your child's report card describes learning in class through the year, using the scale your district chooses.
Level 3 means the student met the standard for the grade, and Level 4 means they exceeded it. Levels 1 and 2 mean they are still building those skills. Talk with your child's teacher about what the score means for your child.
Gradelings practices the math, English language arts and science skills in the Washington State Learning Standards with kind feedback and no timers unless you want them. It isn't a copy of the state tests and doesn't predict a score.
Also see: Washington report cards explained and Social Emotional Learning.
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