Background: see the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for more WASL information.

Q:What is the Washington Assessment of Student Learning?
A:The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is a means of measuring student achievement of the state's rigorous new academic standards in reading, writing, mathematics, and other core subjects. The WASL is administered at the elementary, middle and high school levels. It is designed to help teachers refine instructional strategies, increase student achievement and provide data on the performance of schools and districts over time.

Q:What's the difference between the WASL and other tests?
A:Both the WASL and Traditional norm-referenced tests focus on important academic skills. Norm-referenced tests rely heavily upon multiple-choice questions and emphasize basic or foundation skills. The WASL measures the application of those skills to problem solving tasks and real world situations. In addition to multiple choice questions, the WASL requires students to complete short-answer questions, draw graphs, compare and contrast information from multiple texts and write short essays. These types of questions require students to do more with their knowledge than they have in the past. Another important distinction is that norm-referenced test are designed to evaluate a student's performance relative to the performance of other students. This helps parents and schools make regional and national comparisons. Standards-based tests, such as the WASL, emphasize the evaluation of each student's performance against a fixed and challenging standard of knowledge and skills.

Q:Who takes the WASL and what's the timeline?
A: All fourth, seventh and tenth graders in Washington's public schools take the WASL in reading, writing, listening and mathematics. Eventually, eighth and tenth graders will also take a test in science. Assessments in social studies (civics, history, geography, economics), arts and health and fitness will be mandatory at all the elementary, middle and high school grade levels by 2008. School districts establish the testing schedule for their students within a three week window set by OSPI. This testing window is traditionally the last week of April through the first week of May.

Q:How and when are scores reported?
A:Parents and teachers receive scores for individual students each fall. Scores show student performance relative to a high and fixed standard of achievement and provide information on strengths and weaknesses within each subject, such as problem solving in mathematics or grammar, punctuation and spelling in writing. Results provide teachers information about where students need help in these areas and can help refine instructional strategies in the classroom. Scores are also compiled to show performance trends at the school building, district and state levels.

Q:How are the tests scored?
A:Washington state teachers and education specialists developed specific scoring criteria for each subject tested. Specially-trained experts use these criteria to score each student's work. One in every ten tests is reviewed by additional scorers to ensure grading is consistent. This detailed scoring process is very time-consuming, but it provides a reliable and more complete picture of how well students are learning.

Q:Will the state test affect my child's grade?
A:In general, the state tests were not deigned to be a grading tool. They are intended to measure where students are learning and to help teachers improve instruction about where their students may need to help. However, some schools may use the test results to help make student retention and promotion decisions. You should feel free to ask your child's teacher or principal how the test will be used in your child's school.

Q:Can I get a copy of the tests?
A: No. The questions or prompts are not released publicly because many of the same questions will be used on future tests. You can, however, receive sample questions from your local school. The annual release of test items from the WASL provides students, parents, teachers, and community members with a good understanding of the format and content of the WASL. A review of the Released Item Documents (http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/WASL/testquestions.aspx) precludes the sharing of pilot or operational test booklets. State laws RCW 42.17.310 and 28A.635.040 provide provisions designed to protect the integrity of the test.

Q:What will be done to address the needs of students with disabilities?
A:As with andy otner aspect of education for students with disabilities, schools must determine and recorded assessment participation decisions on a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team, comprised of student's parents/guardians, general education teachers, special education teachers and district staff, must also decide and document any needed testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Testing accommodations may include additional time, special testing environments, and variable testing formats, such as Braille. For those students who cannot participate in state assessment programs even with accommodations, the IEP team decides how the student will be alternately assessed. Specific guidelines are available to help IEP teams make decisions about participation options and accommodations.

Q:Can students use computers when taking the test?
A:Student with special needs who use computers as an accommodation during the course of the school year are allowed to use them on the state test. In most cases, this requires a provision for computer use in a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Beyond that, students are not permitted to use computers on the WASL.

Q:What are "classroom-based assessments?"
A:The state has provided schools with "classroom-based assessments" related to the WASL. Classroom assessments enable teachers to measure student progress over time and in a greater number of ways than is feasible through state-level assessments. They promote "hands-on" learning and the application of knowledge. Classroom assessments are a critical part of a sound instructional program. They enable teachers to know what is working and where changes are needed to help students learn. Classroom assessments can be tailored to the varying developmental needs and learning styles of students. Classrooom-based assessments, along with regular exams, quizzes and projects, will ensure that learning continues throughout the school year.

For more information visit: www.k12.wa.us/assessment