Assessment

The goal of the Olympia School District’s Comprehensive Assessment Program is to provide information on student achievement to students, parents, community members and the District’s staff. This information keeps parents/legal guardians and students informed of progress and it gives educators a standard against which to evaluate student learning.

 

State Testing:  Smarter Balanced

Every spring, students in grades 3 through 8 will take the Smarter Balanced tests in Math and English Language Arts.  Grades 5 and 8 will also participate in WCAS (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science).  These test results are used for state and federal accountability, and may also be used to place students in special classes and programs.

 

Your 10th grade student will take the Smarter Balanced tests in math and English language arts. These test results are used for state and federal accountability, and are also your student’s first opportunity to fulfill their graduation pathway requirement. Most of Washington’s universities, colleges, and community colleges will use high school students’ Smarter Balanced scores Level 3 or higher, for course-level placement, also bypassing the college placement test.


Your 11th grade student will take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) for federal accountability. Students are assessed on their knowledge of the standards through the WCAS in grades 5, 8 and 11.  The WCAS test fulfills the federal “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA) requirements that students be tested in science once at each level:  elementary, middle and high school.


In high school, the results from the Smarter Balanced tests provide a picture of whether students across the state are on track to be ready for career or college. Washington students take state and federal tests regularly to assess their progress as well as the progress of our educational system as a whole. 


Knowing your student’s achievement level (1 through 4) will help your student choose which courses to take next year to help prepare for career and college success. As part of their High School and Beyond Plan, schools work with your student to make sure their course choices fit their goals for life. Our school will have access to the Smarter Balanced test scores a few weeks after students complete the online tests.  (Their WCAS results will not be available until August).  All ELA and Math scores are generally available via Family Access (in your Skyward account, Portfolio tab) by July 1 of the testing year.

  

Resources:

College Bound Students:

At the high school level, the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test), the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), the AP (Advanced Placement) tests, the ACT (American College Testing) and IB (International Baccalaureate) tests are administered to those who choose to take them.

Contact Information:

Billy Harris

Director of Assessment & Accountability

(360) 596-8544

 [email protected]

 

Mailing Address: 
Assessment Services
111 Bethel Street NE
Olympia, WA 98506
Fax: 360-596.8581