WASL Updates Spring 2009

Information about the current and future WASL requirements have been publicized by our new Superintendent of Public Instruction, Randy Dorn. In order to help students and families understand how it impacts them, please refer to the Q & A we've provided.

Does my daughter/son have to take the WASL this spring?

The requirements for the WASL have not changed this school year. The WASL is required for grades 3-8, and 10. Students beyond the 10th grade who have not met the graduation requirements have the same opportunities and alternative options as they've always had. For details of these options select this link - Overview of Certificate of Academic Achievement Options.


Does my daughter/son have to pass the WASL to graduate?
The graduation requirements for students in the classes of 2009 - 2011 remains the same. Students must meet standard on the Reading and Writing sections of the WASL to earn a diploma. The math requirement is also the same, meet standard on the Math WASL, or earn two credits of math beyond the 10th grade year. Additionally, all alternative options for meeting the WASL standards remain the same.

Beginning next school year, 10th graders, in the class of 2012, will take assessments called the High School Proficiency Exams. The format of these exams will be very similar to the WASL format. These students will need to meet standard on the Reading and Writing exams. The Math option should remain the same, either meet standard on the Math High School Proficiency Exam, or earn two credits in Math beyond the 10th grade.

Is the WASL going away after this year?
The assessment called the WASL is going away starting next school year. However, other assessments are taking its place. The No Child Left Behind federal law requires states to assess student achievement.

The new assessments will be called Measurements of Student Progress for grades 3 - 8, and the High School Proficiency Exam for grade 10.

These assessments will be shorter than the current WASL and results should be provided much sooner providing teachers, students and families with information to guide instructional plans. More specific information will be provided to students and families next fall when the state has worked through the details of the new assessment plan.