State Assessments

State Assessment Header

Washington Comprehensive Assessment Portal (WCAP)

The WCAP is the state's comprehensive assessment system. It includes the Smarter Balanced Assessments, English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century, and Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science.

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)
Subject: Language and Math
Grades: 3-8 and High School
This standards-based test is used to show the level of proficiency of students relative to the Washington State Standards for English language arts and math.  It is an un-timed, multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions (writing) designed to determine if students meet the Washington state learning standards in English language arts, math and science. Retakes in high school are available until students meet standard.

Use the new Washington Test Guide for Parents to help you better understand your child's test score report. The online tool will provide you the information you need to help your child in school.

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)
Subject: Science
Grades: 5, 8 ,11
This Next Generation Science standards-based test is used to show the level of proficiency of students in science.
Through this un-timed, multiple-choice, and short answer questions online test, it is determined if students meet state learning standards in science.

Assessment for Students with Cognitive Disabilities (WA-AIM)
Subject: ELA, Math and Science
Grades: 3-11 (Science grade 5, 8 , 11)
WA-AIM is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards aligned to the Common Core State Standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21)
Subject: English Language Proficiency
Grades: K-12 ELL students
Proficiency test of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Through this un-timed, mix of multiple choice and performance items, administered online test, it is determined if students qualify for services (placement) and to measure the growth and language acquisition of all English Language Learners (annual).

Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessment
Subject: English Language Proficiency
Grades: K-12 ELL students
OSPI adopted with WIDA Alternate ACCESS for ELL in 2018 to assess the language proficiency for English Learners (ELs) with the most significant cognitive disabilities

Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WAKIDS)
Subject: Developmental skills
Grades: Kindergarten
A holistic inventory of kindergarten readiness which includes assessment of physical, social, cognitive, literacy and emotional skills.  This un-timed, student observation with family and community connections, early learning collaboration provides whole child assessment.  The information gleaned is used to improve classroom teaching and tailor instruction to individual student needs.

OSPI-Developed Assessments (formerly CBAs)
Subject: The Arts, Educational Technology, Health and Physical Education, and Social Studies
Grades: 3-12
Subject and project based assessments designed to ascertain students' understanding of Washington state learning standards.