State test requirements
High school students must pass tests, or state-approved alternatives, to be eligible to graduate. Required tests vary by expected year of graduation. All students must pass the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in English/language arts and math. Students in the class of 2021 and beyond must also pass the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Minimum scores to pass these exams are set by the State Board of Education.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Scores and Higher Education Agreements
Washington’s 2- and 4-year public colleges have published statements regarding the use of Smarter Balanced test scores and preparation for entrance into their institutions.

Washington’s Council of Presidents, representing public four-year colleges and universities in Washington State, has issued a statement about a student’s path towards college preparation. Read more about the Council of Presidents’ statement.

Likewise, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) has issued a statement regarding placement options for students entering a 2-year institution. Read more about the SBCTC’s agreement.

* Unless a student is determined to have significant cognitive disabilities, or transferred into Washington public schools in 11th or 12th grade, he or she must attempt state assessments at least once before qualifying for alternatives in each content area: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/GraduationAlternatives/default.aspx

+ Students must meet the exit exam minimum score to graduate.

Special Education students
Students with an Individualized Education Program may earn a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA), an alternative to the Certificate of Academic Achievement, if deemed appropriate by their IEP team. Graduation requirement options that might be considered by the team are listed on the OSPI website.

State-approved alternatives
There are three options to take advantage of what are called Certificate of Academic Achievement Options (CAA): GPA Comparison, College Admission and AP Test Scores Option or Dual Credit Course Option.  Students who do not meet the standard on the SBA may want to review these options.

High School and Beyond Plan

Students in Lake Washington should graduate “Future Ready,” with a plan for what they will do following high school.

To graduate, all students must develop a High School and Beyond Plan specifying how they will meet high school graduation requirements and what they will do following high school. Students begin their plan in eighth grade and revise it each year as they progress through middle and high school. The High School and Beyond Plan should include the classes needed to prepare for a postsecondary pathway, such as a two-year or four-year college, technical college, apprenticeship program, certificate program, the workforce or military training.

Through the process of completing a High School and Beyond Plan, students explore their interests, discover potential future careers, and research post-secondary education options. They link their plan for high school course taking with their future goals. Students review and revise their High School and Beyond Plans annually, in cooperation with parents / guardians and school staff. 

Why is the High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) important?The High School and Beyond Plan helps students connect their high school course taking with their future goals. The process helps students choose coursework and activities that are relevant to their goals and ensures that students are tracking the requirements for high school graduation and entry into postsecondary programs. 

What are the components of a High School and Beyond Plan?
The major components of the plan include:

• Identification of career goals
• Identification of educational goals related to the student’s career goals
• Completion of a four-year plan for course-taking that fulfills graduation requirements and aligns with educational and career goals