Students began taking the Smarter Balanced assessments in spring 2015. The assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, and these Standards are designed to prepare students to be college- and career-ready by the time they graduate from high school. Students in grades 3-8 are assessed each spring in English Language Arts (ELA) and in math. High school students also take Smarter Balanced ELA and math tests, beginning in tenth grade.
We encourage parents and students to check out the practice and training tests, plus the many resources available to the public: http://wa.portal.airast.org/training-tests. Students will also have designated practice sessions during the school day before actual testing begins.
Students’ state testing requirements for a diploma vary by graduation year and according to legislative changes. For updated information on test-related graduation requirements, please check the state’s website http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/default.aspx .
For any test required for graduation, students have multiple opportunities to take and retake that test. Also, there are other ways to meet a test standard if a student has trouble passing the test – the state offers several Approved Options, such as qualifying SAT or ACT scores. For more information on Options, contact your school counselor or review http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/GraduationAlternatives/default.aspx.
Students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) have additional options to meet the test standards required for a diploma, such as off-level tests or an alternate assessment.
Higher education institutions in Washington State – both community colleges and all 4-year public universities – have agreed to use Smarter Balanced scores in determining college course placement. High school graduates who score at level 3 or 4 on the high-school-level tests will be placed directly into credit-bearing courses.
In Washougal School District we offer a variety of AP courses ranging from English, US History, and Psychology to Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, and Art Portfolio. We try to provide a broad selection of courses to appeal to a wide variety of student interests.
The greatest benefit of AP is the experience of taking academic courses in an enriched environment with classmates who, like you, are seeking intellectual challenge, are motivated to learn, and are committed to excellence. Participating in these courses is going to give you a head start on exactly the sort of work you will confront in college. You will improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques; develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework; assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself; and study subjects in greater depth and detail.
For questions about AP classes or assessments, contact your school counselor or Linda Miller, AP Coordinator.
AP Testing Date Time
Chemistry TBD
Psychology TBD
US Government TBD
US History TBD
Calculus TBD
English Language TBD
English Literature TBD
World History TBD