Assessment

Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public school students receive a quality education, no matter where they go to school, because they are measured to equal standards. This information assists districts and schools in improving instructional practices and curriculum and gives families valuable information about how their student is doing in school and where additional help might be needed.

These assessments are required by the state to make schools accountable for student academic performance.

• K-2 Early Literacy Screening: This screening is required by the state of Washington for students in K–grade 2, which looks for early indicators of reading difficulty.
• Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA): ELA and math tests in grades 3–8 and 10 are required for federal and state accountability. Learn more about SBA. 
• Washington - Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM): ELA, math, and science alternate assessments in grades 3–11 for students with significant cognitive disabilities documented in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) are required for federal and state accountability. Learn more about WA-AIM. 
• Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS): Science tests for grades 5, 8, and 11 are required for federal and state accountability. Learn more about WCAS.
• WIDA Screener & Access: Tests given to all students in grades K–12 who qualify for English language development services to determine which students remain eligible to continue receiving English language development services. Learn more about WIDA. 

The district conducts additional diagnostic testing of student learning to provide teachers and school leaders with data showing student growth and where instructional adjustments are needed.

• iReady: ELA and math assessments that help determine student’s needs, personalize their learning, and monitor progress throughout the school year. Learn more about iReady.

• PSAT: The practice version of the SAT which is also used as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test taken by sophomores or juniors. Learn more about PSAT.

• Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS): Assessment for student readiness for kindergarten in math and reading. Learn more about WaKIDS.