Tenth Grade WASL and Graduation
The class of 2008 was the first class that was required to pass the Washington State Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading, writing and math in order to earn a Certificate of Achievement. This certificate is one of the state’s four graduation requirements.
In March 2006, the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 6475, which authorized the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to create three additional options for students to meet state standards in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. During the 2007 legislative session, a number of changes were made.
Most students will earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement – one of the state’s new graduation requirements – by passing the High School WASL Reading, Writing, and Mathematics tests. The Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) Options are for students who have strong skills but don’t test well or just need another way to show what they know and are able to do. The options are designed to have equal or greater rigor as the WASL.
The three CAA Options are:
- AP and College Admission Test Scores: Students may use their scores on the SAT Reading and Mathematics Reasoning Tests, ACT Reading and Mathematics Tests, and specified Advanced Placement examinations to show they have key skills.
- Collection of Evidence: Students compile a set of classroom work samples with the help of a teacher. Collections for students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can include work from their CTE program and other classes.
- WASL/Grades Comparison: A student’s grades in English courses and/or Mathematics courses are compared with the grades of students who took the same courses AND passed the WASL. This option is available to students in their senior year.
Students must take the WASL at least once before accessing the options. The Collection of Evidence and the WASL/Grades Comparison options have additional requirements.
OSPI has developed a number of resources with students and families in mind. To learn more about Washington's academic standards and the WASL, please visit http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/default.aspx |
