Please see below for the general testing windows throughout the district. The exact dates of the test(s) will be communicated by your school or your child's teacher. Other tests, such as a screening test, are scheduled directly with the student's family.

• Download the Elementary Assessment calendar >> (PDF)
• Download the Middle School Assessment calendar >> (PDF)
• Download the High School Assessment calendar >> (PDF)

All public high school students are required to meet statewide graduation requirements to earn a diploma.

More info on the OSPI website >>

See our Graduation Requirements >>

Basic education in Washington state is defined by the Legislature (RCW 28A.150.210)(link is external). As required by state law, OSPI develops the state's learning standards (RCW 28A.655.070)(link is external) and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for state and federal accountability purposes. Learning standards define what all students need to know and be able to do at each grade level.

More information on OSPI's website >>

The WIDA test is used to determine student eligibility for English Language Learners support services. Once identified, students will be assessed annually to determine growth in English language development. It includes four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing/english-language-proficiency-assessments

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAs) were created by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and are aligned to the Common Core State Standards in math and English language arts (ELA).

The SBAs are administered annually in the spring for all students in grades 3-8 and 10. Additional students in grades 11-12 may also participate in fall/spring if needed for graduation.  Grades K-2, and 9 do not participate.

More info on the SBA on OSPI's website >>

Instructions on how to view results in Skyward >>

A student growth percentile (SGP) describes a student's growth compared to other students with similar prior test scores (their academic peers). Although the calculations for SGPs are complex, percentiles are a familiar method of measuring students in comparison to their peers.

• SGPs at a Glance (PDF)* - a short overview of SGPs
• Understanding a Student Growth Percentile Report (PDF)* - a guide for parents and teachers

All students that have at least two years of consecutive state testing (SBA) scores are included.  Click here to learn where to find your student's SGP report.

Learn more about SGP from from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction here.  

For students - learn how to find and use your SGP data for student led conferences by viewing a short video tutorial from your Google Drive.

*Retrieved from Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website at https://www.k12.wa.us/data-reporting/reporting/student-growth-percentiles-sgp/district-and-school-resources

Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 will participate in the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.

https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/testing/state-testing/washington-comprehensive-assessment-science

Welcoming students to Kindergarten includes a WaKIDS assessment. It helps assess students' strengths and what will enable them to be successful in school. WaKIDS is done in all of our elementary schools.

http://www.k12.wa.us/WaKIDS/

Statewide, assessments are given annually to all public school students to ensure that no matter where they go to school, they receive a quality education.

• Assessments measure how every student has achieved in relation to the state standards for their particular grade level.
• In Washington state, certain assessments are required for graduation.
• Schools use test scores to evaluate their own performance over time and to determine which students may need additional support in order to achieve grade level standards.
• Test scores of students in a school are used to determine the success of the school. Schools are held accountable by the state for the scores of their students. Schools are, in effect, “graded” on how well their students do on the tests.

State testing score reports are available in Skyward Family Access. See instructions for how to view them >>

Contact your school's principal for a Test Refusal Form.

Decisions about having a student repeat a grade would be made only after looking at other data, including classroom performance and other assessments, and would occur in consultation with families.

North Thurston Public Schools teachers have already been teaching the new, more rigorous standards in English language arts and math. They have done sample assessments in class. Encouraging your child to get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast and do their best is something families can do to support their child.

Please check with your child’s school for specific testing times and dates. The general time frame will be March-May, depending on the grade level.

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were adopted by Washington State in July 2011. These standards provide a clear and consistent understanding of what students are expected to learn in English language arts and mathematics as they progress through grades K-12. Starting in 2014-15, the SBA are the state tests aligned to the Common Core. These assessments are used to measure how well students are mastering the standards and how ready they are for career and college education and training after graduation.