Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program
Ranked #2,571 in Education, #59,235 overall
Replacing the WASL
Washington State has a new assessment program for students in grades 3-10. After years of tweaking the WASL -- and of pushing forward the date students must pass in order to graduate -- the WASL has been replaced. The new tests are called the Measurements of Student Progress (Grades 3-8) and the High School Proficiencey Exam.
Many things about the Washington state assessment program remain the same. Students will still be required to demonstrate competence in the same subjects and at the same grade levels. The writing test (given in grades 4,7, and 10) will still include extended response questions and take place over a two day period. The high school version of the test remains a graduation requirement, while the elementary and middle school versions will have little consequence for individual students, except to guide instruction and determine eligibility for extra support.
There are, however, some significant changes. The reading, math and science tests have been shortened. They no longer include extended response questions. In other words students will no longer be required to do a significant amount of writing in order to demonstrate competence in subjects other than writing.
Paper and pencil testing are also on their way out. Over a period of years computer based assessment will be phased in. Approximately 25% of middle and high school students will take the computer version of the test this year.
Many things about the Washington state assessment program remain the same. Students will still be required to demonstrate competence in the same subjects and at the same grade levels. The writing test (given in grades 4,7, and 10) will still include extended response questions and take place over a two day period. The high school version of the test remains a graduation requirement, while the elementary and middle school versions will have little consequence for individual students, except to guide instruction and determine eligibility for extra support.
There are, however, some significant changes. The reading, math and science tests have been shortened. They no longer include extended response questions. In other words students will no longer be required to do a significant amount of writing in order to demonstrate competence in subjects other than writing.
Paper and pencil testing are also on their way out. Over a period of years computer based assessment will be phased in. Approximately 25% of middle and high school students will take the computer version of the test this year.
OSPI and School District Resources
- Measurements of Student Progress, grades 3-8
- The pencil and paper test will be given in May this year. Online testing (which comprises a percentage of middle schools) will extend to June 4.
- High School Proficiency Exam
- Given in March and April. High schoolers who did not take and pass the WASL will need to take this assessment.
- Fact Sheet From Walla Walla
- The Walla Walla School District has done an excellent job addressing frequently asked questions.
The Washington Writing Test
Administered at grades 4, 7, and 10
The best way to test writing is to have kids write! The writing portion of the test will still take place over a two day period, and include extended response.
How should students prepare? Washington assessments are aligned with the curriculum.While it's a mistake to allow test preparation to take the place of valuable instruction time, it is important that children understand the task and expectations. The fourth grade version of the WASL, for instance, included a narrative writing task; students were expected to tell a story about some imaginary event (like finding a mysterious key). Some students answer such questions in a hypothetical manner -- "If I found a key, I would..." -- without really understanding that they are expected to demonstrate their narrative skills.
I've found that many children actually like looking at sample papers, critiquing them and sorting them according to the rubric. Until the sample papers from the first administration are released, I'm using the WASL papers! They are included on the OSPI site.
Note: As of August, the 2010 sample papers have note yet been released on the OSPI site.
How should students prepare? Washington assessments are aligned with the curriculum.While it's a mistake to allow test preparation to take the place of valuable instruction time, it is important that children understand the task and expectations. The fourth grade version of the WASL, for instance, included a narrative writing task; students were expected to tell a story about some imaginary event (like finding a mysterious key). Some students answer such questions in a hypothetical manner -- "If I found a key, I would..." -- without really understanding that they are expected to demonstrate their narrative skills.
I've found that many children actually like looking at sample papers, critiquing them and sorting them according to the rubric. Until the sample papers from the first administration are released, I'm using the WASL papers! They are included on the OSPI site.
Note: As of August, the 2010 sample papers have note yet been released on the OSPI site.
- Grade 4 sample papers
- Annotated narrative and expository writing samples.
- Grade 7 sample papers
- Expository and persuasive essay samples.
- Grade 10 sample papers
- Expository and persuasive writing samples.
More About the Changing World of Writing Education
Alternative Assessments
For Washington State Students
- Alternate Assessment for IEP
- For some special education students, the standard tests are not appropriate, even with accommodations. Find out about alternative assessment here.
- Assessments for Second Language Learners
- Students who are first year English speakers do not have to take the MSP.
Contact Me
I'm a Washington certified teacher who likes to help students with writing assessments... and writing in general.
- eduFire
- Online tutoring for high school students (and older).
- Seattle area elementary and writing tutoring
- I tutor in the greater Seattle metropolitan area
Prep Books
These guides are most effective for students who are working at grade level, but need a little review and exposure to test format.
- Show What You Know
- Show What You Know, makers of WASL test prep books, have released new MSP guides.
Computerized testing allows for less disruption of school wide class schedules.
Washington State Assessment on Google
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More About Testing
For High School Level and Above
Thoughts on State Testing?
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Ramkitten
Apr 11, 2010 @ 12:10 pm | delete
- I'm not from the area and don't have kids, but I found this interesting nonetheless. Well done.
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by KarenTBTEN
KarenTBTEN
I'm a Washington state certified teacher. I teach small group writing classes in the Seattle area, and have recently begun teaching test prep online.
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Show What You Know on the 5th Grade MSP: Student Workbook (Washington State's Measurement of Student Progress)
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