Testing and Assessment FAQs

State testing takes place during two windows:

• WIDA: February 9–March 20
• SBA / WCAS: April 20–May 29

All state testing will be in person this year.

While a bill passed in May allowing online schools to eventually offer remote testing, the state still needs to finalize rules and pilot the process. Remote testing is likely at least two years away, with statewide implementation expected no earlier than spring 2028.

The bill approved remote testing in concept but did not include the details needed to make it work. The state must:

• Create clear testing rules and procedures
• Pilot the process with a small number of schools
• Finalize logistics statewide

Until that work is complete, testing must continue in person.

The state has indicated that only a small number of schools will be selected for the pilot program. Because WAVA is one of Washington’s largest online schools, it is unlikely to be a candidate. A pilot timeline has not yet been announced.

Full-time WAVA students are required to take the following state assessments:

• Smarter Balanced ELA (Grades 3–8)
• Smarter Balanced Math (Grades 3–8)
• WCAS Science (Grades 5, 8, and 11)

All state assessments are computer-based and taken in person at assigned testing sites across Washington.

Students are typically assigned a testing site within about one hour of their home. Starting in November, families can view and confirm site assignments through the Testing Portal using the Family Login.

Students who live more than one hour from a testing site may travel to the nearest site or request testing through their resident school district (eligibility requirements apply).

If there’s an issue with your assigned site—such as distance, siblings assigned to different locations, or a site that doesn’t work for your family—you’ll receive instructions on how to contact the assessment coordinator for support.

Not attending required assessments may impact graduation, enrollment status, or re-enrollment eligibility.

Yes. Students enrolled full-time or at 0.8 FTE or more must participate in all state- and WAVA-required assessments.

Failure to participate may result in withdrawal from WAVA at the end of the school year and ineligibility for re-enrollment.

Part-time students who are less than 0.8 FTE receiving home-based instruction (and who have a current Intent to Homeschool form on file with WAVA and their resident district) under Chapter 28A.200.RCW or who are enrolled in an approved private school under Chapter 28A.195.RCS are not required to participate in the state assessments. Part-time students may opt in to participate in state assessments.

Yes. Passing state exams is required for graduation. Students in grades 11–12 who have not yet passed required exams may be eligible for:

• Retake opportunities
• Alternative graduation pathways

Graduation specialists can guide families through available options.

Yes. Students may complete additional online assessments to measure progress, including:

• DIBELS
• MAP
• aimswebPlus

State testing helps us:

• Understand student strengths and areas for growth
• Ensure students meet graduation requirements
• Identify what’s working well and where improvements are needed, so we can continue strengthening the program for students
• Meet federal education funding requirements

Questions about testing schedules or site assignments can be directed to:

WAVA Assessment & Testing Coordinator
Parker Sorenson
[email protected] | [email protected]

Danielle Beyer, Assessment Coordinator
[email protected]
253.591.6888