State Testing
Updated 5.7.21
Classroom-Based Assessments
- Include interviewing, portfolios, setting goals, performances, products, demonstrations, essays, paper-pencil exams.
- Occur in a continual manner in all grades.
- Enable teachers to make ongoing decisions about instruction.
- Promote self-reflection and self-assessment.
(The following exams are State Required)
English Language Learners: Students learning to speak English in grades K-12 will take the Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA21). This assessment tests measures students' English language proficiency, both knowledge and skills, in reading, writing, listening and speaking knowledge and skills in English. Students who score at the Emerging or Progressing levels on the ELPA21 qualify to receive help learning English.
The 2021 Spring ELPA21 testing window is March 22 - June 4. We are planning to test all students on Wednesdays starting after Spring Break. All students, including those in SK Online, will have an opportunity to test and we will arrange transportation.
|
Date of Testing |
Grade Levels to be Tested |
Location |
|
April 14, 2021 |
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
South Kitsap High School |
|
April 21, 2021 |
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
South Kitsap High School |
|
April 28, 2021 |
4, 5 |
Orchard Heights Elementary |
|
May 5, 2021 |
3 |
Orchard Heights Elementary |
|
May 12, 2021 |
2 |
Orchard Heights Elementary |
|
May 19, 2021 |
1 |
Orchard Heights Elementary |
|
May 26, 2021 |
Kindergarten |
Orchard Heights Elementary |
|
June 2, 2021 |
(makeups) |
To be determined |
Parents of English language learners are being sent a letter with more information and a survey attached. If you receive it, please return the survey promptly. You may also access it here: ELPA21 Testing Survey.pdf
If you opt your student out of testing this year, your student will continue to receive English language services.
Grade 2 Reading: Basic Skills Assessment
- Measures oral reading accuracy and fluency skills.
- Informs parents of their child's reading skills, identifies actions the school will take to improve the child's reading, and provides parents with strategies to help them improve their child's score if the child performed below an appropriate level.
- Tests given to students individually by their classroom teacher.
- Results reported to parents at fall and spring conferences.
Grades 3-8, 10, and 11 -
Normally, all students in grades 3-8 and 10 would take the Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts (ELA) and math. Practice tests for Smarter Balanced assessments are currently available to everyone. Click here to access. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 also normally take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) in science. Sample scenarios and items for science assessments can be found here. Our state's OSPI has gathered many Student & Family testing resources together in one place on the web. Link to testing information on OSPI website.
For the 2020-2021 school year, OSPI has cancelled Smarter Balanced and WCAS testing as of 4.14.21. We expect that we will be testing in Fall 2021 instead. Please check back here for updated information as we receive it.
State testing should never be the sole judge of a student's academic skills and knowledge. If you have questions about your child's learning, please contact your child's teacher or school.
Special education: Students receiving special education services may be eligible for additional alternatives related to the testing requirements, as well as accommodations, modifications and supports identified in their individual education plans.
What parent and student resources are available?
There are many resources available on the subject of state testing. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) remains the most up-to-date source of state testing information on the web.
Frequently Asked Questions about State Testing
Your Child's Progress A short handout that broadly covers learning expectations and basic information on state testing in grades K-12.
School Report Card View your child's school's Report Card on the OSPI website. Type in your school's zip code (98366, 98367, or 98359 for Olalla) to find your school. Use the top tool bar to find your school's test scores.
Our state also participates in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Title I testing at grades 4 and 8 in Math and Reading. There is no district level data reported, only state level data in relation to national achievement levels. Click here for more information about our state's NAEP scores.
State Assessment Refusal-Opt Out form
State Testing in South Kitsap: Grades 3-8
Each spring, all students in grades 3–8 will take the Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts (ELA) and math. Practice tests for Smarter Balanced assessments are currently available to everyone. Students in grades 5 and 8 will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Our state's OSPI has gathered many Student & Family testing resources together in one place on the web - click here to access a portal for state assessment information.
State testing should never be the sole judge of a student’s academic skills and knowledge. If you have questions about your child’s learning, please contact your child’s teacher or school.
Special education: Students receiving special education services may be eligible for additional alternatives related to the testing requirements, as well as accommodations, modifications and supports identified in their individual education plans.
English language learners: Students learning to speak English in grades K–12 take the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century. This assessment tests growth in reading, writing, listening and speaking knowledge and skills in English. Students who score at the Emerging or Progressing levels on the ELPA21 qualify to receive help learning English.
State Testing in South Kitsap: Grades 9-12
Students in Washington are required to pass exit exams in ELA and math to be eligible for a diploma. Typically, students take exit exams in 10th grade.
Students in the 10th grade take the Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts (ELA) and math.
What tests will my student take?
The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires yearly testing of students in grades 3–8 and once in high school in ELA and math, and in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school in science. Washington state also requires students to pass specific tests to be eligible to graduate from high school. Depending on a student’s expected year of graduation, he/she can meet the assessment graduation requirement in different ways. See www.WAtesting.com for details by graduation year.
|
|
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
9th |
10th |
11th |
12th |
|
ELA |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
P |
t |
** |
|
Math |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
P |
** |
** |
|
Science |
|
|
P |
|
|
P |
|
P |
P |
** |
|
English Language Proficiency |
t |
t |
t |
t |
t |
t |
t |
t |
t |
t |
** Necessary only if student has not met state assessment graduation requirement.
t Necessary only for students learning to speak English. Students test to qualify to receive support and continue to test, annually, until they reach English language proficiency.
How and when will my student test?
State testing timelines and windows vary from test to test. Schedules are locally approved within the state windows by our school district administrators, and some are state mandated. It can be a lot of information to wade through! Rest assured your child’s school will communicate with you in a timely fashion regarding specific information about upcoming state testing dates, times, and formats. In the meantime, you can generally expect your student to participate in state testing in the spring. Your child’s attendance is essential - please stay on the lookout for communication from your student’s school regarding testing.
|
Smarter Balanced 2019 Testing Window |
|
|
All Grades (except 9th) ELA – Math |
March 4 – June 7 |
|
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) Testing Dates |
|
|
Grades 5th and 8th |
11th Grade |
Additional calendars for off grade level graduation alternatives, WA-AIM, ELPA21, and WaKIDS inventory can be found at State Testing Timelines and Calendar.
What parent and student resources are available?
There are many resources available on the subject of state testing. This website can be your starting point for our school district-specific information. Your student’s school will be the best source of information regarding formats and timelines. Dates are generally finalized in late winter for spring testing.
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) remains the most up-to-date source of state testing information on the web.
Frequently Asked Questions about State Testing
The OSPI website broadly covers learning expectations and basic information on state testing in grades K-12.
School Report Card View your child's school's Report Card on the OSPI website. Type in your school's zip code (98366, 98367, or 98359 for Olalla) to find your school. Use the top tool bar to find your school's test scores.
Our state also participates in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) testing at grades 4 and 8 in Math and Reading. There is no district level data reported, only state level data in relation to national achievement levels. Click here for more information about our state's NAEP scores.