FAQs
Testing and Assessment FAQs
What tests are required as part of the program?
Students who are enrolled full-time in WAVA are required to take the following state-mandated assessments:
- Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts (SBA ELA)—grades 3–8
- Smarter Balanced Mathematics (SBA MTH)—grades 3–8
- Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)—grades 5, 8, and 11
How are state assessments given?
All exams are computer based and must in person at one of our test sites around Washington State. You will be assigned to a Spring Testing Site that is within one hour of your home. Starting in November, you may view and confirm your assigned testing site by clicking the Family Login link at our Testing Portal and entering your information.
Students who live more than one hour from the nearest testing site may choose to travel to the nearest available testing site, or request that their exams be scheduled with their legal resident school district instead. Certain eligibility requirements apply.
Failure to attend required assessments may result in the student not meeting graduation requirements, being placed on an intervention plan, or being ineligible for re-enrollment in the future.
Questions regarding your testing schedule or assigned site can be directed to your Assessment Coordinator, Danielle Beyer, at dbeyer@wava.org or by calling 253.591.6888 and asking for the Assessment Team.
Are there any retake options?
Passing the state high school exams is a graduation requirement. Students in grades 11 and 12 who have not yet passed their state exams will be offered retake options to meet this graduation requirement. Students who have attempted the state exams but not met the minimum score requirement may be eligible for additional graduation alternative exams or options. Your graduation specialist can advise you on the eligibility requirements.
Are there any school wide assessments I will take from home?
Students may also be given other assessments in the online classroom to measure progress, such as:
- Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
- Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP)
- Aimsweb Plus
Do I have to participate in state testing?
Full-time WAVA students and those with an enrollment 0.8 FTE or greater are required to participate in state mandated academic assessments, all assessments required by WAVA, and other assessments as mandated by local district policy. Failure to participate in required assessments will result in student withdrawal from WAVA at the end of the school year and ineligibility for reenrollment with WAVA.
Part-time students who are less than 0.8 FTE receiving home-based instruction (and who have an Intent to Homeschool form currently 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.
