When are students tested? ¹
4th grade
8th grade
11th grade

What subjects are tested? ¹
Language Arts
Reading
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

What types of questions are used? ¹
Multiple choice

How are test results used? ¹
Student diagnosis
Identification of students at risk
Curriculum planning
Improvement of instruction
Program evaluation
School performance reporting
Schools granted exemptions from regulations

What tests are used? ¹
Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, 4th Edition (grades 4, 8)
Curriculum Frameworks Assessment System (grade 11)

Are students with disabilities exempt? ^{2, 3}
Exemptions given to students who are unable to respond to a paper and pencil test, even with permissible accommodations (i.e., some students with severe learning or physical disabilities), as determined by school staff.

What accommodations are available so that students with disabilities can participate? ²
List of accommodations approved by state Department of Education.

How are scores of students with disabilities reported? ²
School, district, and statewide reports combine ("aggregate") scores of students with and without disabilities.
School, district, and statewide reports also separate ("disaggregate") scores of students receiving accommodations from those not receiving accommodations under certain circumstances.
 

 Footnotes:

¹ Source: PEER Project Survey to expand and update information from Annual Survey of State Student Assessment Programs: Data on 1995-96 Statewide Student Assessment Programs. (Fall 1996). Council of Chief State School Officers.

² Source: PEER Project review of state policy documents. Documents provided by the National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO). Information confirmed and updated by the PEER Project through direct communication with state officials.

³ NOTE: The IDEA Amendments of 1997 require that all students be included in statewide assessments.

Superintendent of Public Instruction
Special Education Section
Old Capitol Building
Oympia, WA 98504-7200
360-753-6733 Special Education Section
360-753-6738 Superintendent of Public Instruction
360-586-0247 Fax
www.ospi.wednet.edu
Contact: Douglas Gill, State Director
Jerry Miller, State Assessment Directory
360-586-1486

Washington Parent Centers on Disability
PAVE/STOMP (Specialized Training of Military Parents)
6316 South 12th St.
Tacoma, WA 98465
253-565-2266 Voice & TTY
1-800-572-7368
253-566-8052 Fax
wapave9@washingtonpave.com
washingtonpave.org/stomp.html
Contact: Heather Hebdon

Washington PAVE
6316 South 12th
Tacoma, WA 98465-1900
253-565-2266 Voice & TDD
1-800-572-7368 in WA
253-566-8052 Fax
wapave9@washingtonpave.com
washingtonpave.org
Contact: Joanne Butts

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