Testing Students in Washington State

State Assessment Schedule for Emerald Ridge HS Students

Late Start Testing for English Language Arts (ELA)- 
  - All 10th graders will test.
  - Juniors and Seniors are eligible to test. (Contact Ms. Buxton to schedule)
  - Juniors and Seniors with IEP’s who have not met standard in ELA will test.
  - Note: This is a two-part test and all students must be present on both days.
 
Late Start testing Mathematics-
  - All 10th graders will test.
  - Juniors and Seniors are eligible to test. (Contact Ms. Buxton to schedule)
  - Juniors and Seniors with IEP’s who have not met standard in ELA will test.
  - Note: This is a two-part test and all students must be present on both days.

All Juniors will participate in the WCAS Testing (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science)


Why is Smarter Balanced testing important for students, families, and schools?

All 10th grade students are required to take the Smarter Balanced ELA and Math assessments as stated through both state law (RCW 28A.230.095) and federal law (Elementary and Secondary Education Act).

Statewide testing is important because it helps ensure all public-school students receive a quality education no matter where they attend school, because they are all measured to the same standards. Test results also help schools and districts continue to improve instructional practices and curriculum. Test results provide valuable information to students and their families about what students know and have learned, and where they may need additional help.

Assessment results, together with course grades and other information, provide guidance about future course taking, college and career readiness, and progress toward specific areas of aptitude and interest. Assessment results are needed to complete the High School & Beyond Plan, which is a state graduation requirement. Meeting standard on the Smarter Balanced test(s) is the first pathway available to students that allow them to demonstrate college or career readiness.

Refusal to participate in state testing negatively impacts students/families/community.

Assessments inform instruction and strong results provide students with greater course-taking flexibility, keeping all doors of opportunity open and available.

In the Puyallup School District, students with high performance levels on the Smarter Balanced and WCAS Tests (High School Graduation/Levels 3-4 College and Career Ready) are offered the ability to retrieve credit for failed courses in certain English, Math, and Science courses. Students who refuse to test are not eligible for this opportunity.

Strong assessment scores often lead to accelerated learning opportunities such as AP classes, College in the High School, Dual Credit, and CTE opportunities.

Test refusals penalize schools and districts because students who do not participate are counted within the number of students who do not meet standard. When schools and districts fall below the 95 percent Accountability Index participation, this jeopardizes eligibility for any state or federal awards or recognition.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2020, all students will have the opportunity to meet state assessment requirements through one of multiple graduation pathway opportunities.

Questions regarding Graduation Requirements may be directed to the following:

Credits: 24 total, Some requirements must be contained within specific core academic areas:
Dave Rosdahl (A-E)
Lyndsey Hepworth (F-L)
Callie Hyman (M-Ri & AVID)
Mariano Leon-Guerrro (Mr. LG) (Rj-Z)

Graduation Pathways:
Robin Buxton

High School & Beyond Plan:
Patti McMullan