Who takes which tests, when and why?
What tests are required for graduation:
Graduating classes of 2019 and 2020
- Smarter Balanced ELA or WA-AIM**
- Smarter Balanced Math or WA-AIM
Graduating Class of 2021
- Smarter Balanced ELA or WA-AIM
- Smarter Balanced Math or WA-AIM
- WCAS (science) or WA-AIM
What Score do I need on the Smarter Balanced to meet the state graduation requirement:
- Smarter Balanced ELA score of Level 3 or Level 4 (or Exit Exam cut score of 2548-2582)
- Smarter Balanced Math score of Level 3 or Level 4 (or Exit Exam cut score of 2595-2627)
If I passed the Smarter Balanced ELA or Math on the “exit exam cut score,” and met my graduation requirement, why should I take the Smarter Balanced again in Grade 11?
- You may want to try to pass the Smarter Balanced tests at Level 3 or 4 in order to show colleges that you are ready for credit-bearing courses. High school students who take the Smarter Balanced exam in California, Delaware, Hawaii, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington could enter postsecondary institutions and directly enroll in credit-bearing courses. Colleges and universities in these six states will use the high school score as evidence that students are ready for entry-level, credit-bearing courses and may be exempted from remedial courses. Using Smarter Balanced scores is an option for students and scores are not required, but accepted.
**WA-AIM is an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive challenges.