A better assessment system: Using federally mandated testing to support student growth.

Jun 12, 2017 | Legislative News

Students typing on computers

OSPI Assessment Outline:

  1. Intent section:
    • We must have a high school assessment (federal requirement);
    • Our commitment to a 10th grade high school assessment that builds upon our standards and our 3-8 assessment system;
    • That prepares students for basic proficiency; and
    • Begins their transition to career and college pathways following the 10th grade assessment.
  2. A high school and beyond plan for every student beginning in middle school.
  3. If student gets less than 3 or 4 on 8th grade math SBA, they MUST take their three high school math credits in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade sequentially (no skipping of years).
  4. The high school assessment will be given in the 10th grade.
  5. Where a 3 or 4 at the 10th grade level is high school proficient.
  6. Following the 10th grade year, students’ High School and Beyond Plans (HSBP) must be updated to reflect a graduation pathway with the necessary courses to attend military, apprenticeship, straight to work, technical college, community college, or four-year college/university. If a student achieved less than a 3 or 4 on the 10th grade SBA, the HSBP update must reflect the courses and alternatives necessary to demonstrate high school proficiency.
  7. Students can choose from the following alternatives to meet the assessment requirement:
    • SBA retake;
    • SAT/ACT (State Board of Education to set the cut score);
    • AP/IB course completion (with a passing grade);
    • College placement test (with placement at the college level);
    • Pass a dual credit course (Running Start, College in the High School, etc.); or
    • Transition courses or locally determined course taken in 11th or 12th grade based on the student’s HSBP that a district administers and assesses at the local level.
  8. Eliminate the Collection of Evidence alternative permanently.
  9. Eliminate Biology, math, and English language arts end-of-course test requirements permanently.
  10. Eliminate grade/course comparison alternative permanently.
  11. Suspend all test-based graduation requirements for the Classes of 2017 and 2018 (this plan would begin with this year’s sophomores (Class of 2019, who will take the 10th grade assessment next year as juniors along with next year’s sophomores).