Assessments & Surveys

Student group

Optional for all students in grades K-8.

Purpose of assessment

The HiCap referral process is done to determine student eligibility into the accelerated academic programs. These programs are designed to meet the learning styles and needs of students with exceptional intellectual, academic and creative abilities.

Assessment and results window

Screening and eligibility testing takes place between October and December. Families will be notified of student eligibility via email in mid-February.

Accommodations and supports

IEP/504 Plans are taken into consideration during the HiCap evaluation process. Relevant accommodations and supports will also be implemented during testing.

Translation information

Oral and written instructions for the assessments are in English. 

Additional information

For more information, visit LWSD Accelerated Programs page.
 

Student group

All students in grades 3-8 and 10, and students in grades 11-12 that need to take the assessment for their graduation pathway.

Purpose of assessment

The SBA is an assessment system used by Washington and other states belonging to the Smarter Balanced Consortium. The assessments are designed to measure how well our students are progressing toward meeting the student learning standards. The assessments address two areas: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics and are required of all students in grades 3-8 and 10 annually (each spring). Meeting standard on the High School SBA is one path toward meeting graduation requirements for many students.  These tests are one measure of students’ progress toward college and career readiness in English language arts/literacy and math.

Assessment and results window

The assessment window for 2023-2024 is April 1, 2024, to June 14, 2024. Individual dates will vary by school. Preliminary results are typically posted to Skyward by July and final results are posted to Skyward the following September.

Accommodations and supports

Generally, any support or accommodation acceptable in the normal course of instruction may be used for the SBA. Universal supports are included for all students, such as additional time or special testing environments. SBA also has accommodations for students with IEP/504 plans, such as the use of Braille or large print format assessment booklets. Assessment supports and accommodations are set prior to the assessment so students can practice with the correct tools to support their success. Students and families/guardians should work with their teachers to verify the appropriate accommodations are put in place prior to the assessment. A complete list of supports and accommodations can be obtained by calling the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at (360) 725-6000.

Translation information

Multilingual Learners (ML) who are proficient readers in Spanish and are not proficient in English can use translated directions or a dual language (fully translated) assessment for the math assessment. Translated directions are available in languages currently supported or a bilingual test administrator can read the directions to the students. Bilingual word-to-word dictionaries can be used on the ELA performance task.

Additional information

For additional information, visit LWSD’s Smarter Balanced Assessments page or OSPI’s SBA page. Or you can contact the Assessment Team at LWSD.

Student group

All students in grades 5, 8 and 11.

Purpose of assessment

The WCAS is the Washington State science assessment. It measures the level of proficiency that Washington students have achieved based on the Washington State 2013 K-12 Science Learning Standards, which are the Next Generation Science Standards. The assessments fulfill the federal requirement that students be assessed in science once at each level: elementary, middle and high school. Passing the High School WCAS is not a graduation requirement, although participating in the assessment in the 11th grade is still a state and federal requirement.

Assessment and results window

The assessment window for 2023-2024 is April 15, 2024, to June 7, 2024. Individual dates will vary by school. Results are typically posted to Skyward the following September.

Accommodations and supports

Generally, any support or accommodation acceptable in the normal course of instruction may be used for the WCAS. Universal supports are included for all students, such as additional time or special testing environments. WCAS also has accommodations for students with IEP/504 plans, such as the use of Braille or large print format assessment booklets. Assessment supports and accommodations are set prior to the assessment so students can practice with the correct tools to support their success. Students and families/guardians should work with their teachers to verify the appropriate accommodations are put in place prior to the assessment. A complete list of supports and accommodations can be obtained by calling the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at (360) 725-6000.

Translation information

Multilingual learners (ML) who are proficient readers in Spanish and are not proficient in English can use translated directions or a dual language (fully translated) assessment for the science assessments. Translated directions are available in languages currently supported or a bilingual test administrator can read the directions to the students.

Additional information

For additional information, visit OSPI’s WCAS page or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

Students with significant cognitive disabilities identified by their IEP team in grades 3-8 and 10 for ELA and mathematics; students with significant cognitive disabilities identified by their IEP team in grades 5, 8 and 11 for science; and students with significant cognitive disabilities identified by their IEP team in grades 11 and 12 who need retakes.

Purpose of assessment

Students with significant cognitive disabilities may participate in this assessment as an alternative to SBA and WCAS assessments for the purpose of meeting accountability and demonstrating post-secondary career or college readiness. The WA-AIM is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The WA-AIM will measure student knowledge and skills using twice annual administered Performance Tasks (PTs). It is used for federal and state accountability in grades 3-8 and 10 for ELA and Math and can be used to meet a student's graduation pathway requirement in grades 10, 11 and 12.

Assessment and results window

Students in grades 11-12 can take a retake assessment in the fall. This assessment window is September 25, 2023, to November 21, 2023. The spring assessment window is January 29, 2024, to May 3, 2024. Individual assessment dates will vary by school. Results for the fall administration are posted to Skyward in February and results for the spring administration are posted to Skyward in September of the following year.

Accommodations and supports

Only students with significant cognitive disabilities may participate in this assessment. The WA-AIM was developed to allow the most flexibility to teachers in designing and creating items that meet each student’s unique learning and communication style. The assessment is standardized through Requirements and Restrictions located on each PT. 

Translation information

Typical accommodations for multilingual learners may include written or oral translation of directions, side-by-side dual language version of the assessment, translated versions of the entire assessment, written or oral response in native language, customized dual language glossary and more.

Additional information

For more information, contact Susan Martin.

Student group

The WIDA Screener is required for newly enrolled students in grades K-12 who first learned or actively speak a language other than English at home, as well as newly enrolled Native American students who are academically at risk.

Purpose of assessment

The WIDA Screener is used to determine initial eligibility for multilingual (ML) services. It is an assessment that measures proficiency in the four language domains of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Assessment and results window

The assessment is ongoing and should take place within the first couple weeks of student enrollment. Families will be notified of student eligibility after the Screener is completed.

Accommodations and supports

Students can work with their ML teachers to ensure proper accommodations and supports are put in place prior to taking the Screener. Available Accommodations and Supports are listed at WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Supplement. Note that due to the nature of the test, some accommodations are not permissible on this assessment (e.g., translated dictionaries) even if the accommodation is stated on the student’s IEP/504 plan.

Translation information

Due to the nature of the assessment, translation devices (e.g., dictionaries) are not permissible on the Screener. Attempts are made to provide score reports and follow-up letters in both English and the family's home language.

Additional information

For more information, visit LWSD’s Multilingual Learners, OSPI’s English Language Proficiency Assessments, or the WIDA Consortium. You can also contact the Multilingual Program.

Student group

All students in grades K-12 receiving multilingual (ML) services.

Purpose of assessment

WIDA ACCESS Summative is an annual assessment that measures students' English language proficiency, both knowledge and skills, in reading, listening, writing and speaking. Results from this test determine which students remain eligible to continue receiving ML services.

Students with significant cognitive disabilities may participate in the WIDA Alternate ACCESS Summative for the purpose of meeting the annual requirement for all students receiving ML services. If the student qualifies to take the WA-AIM, they also qualify to take the WIDA Alternate ACCESS. This assessment is a paper-based assessment and measures the four language domains of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Assessment and results window

The assessment window is January 29, 2024, to March 22, 2024. Individual dates will vary by school. Scores, score reports and parent/guardian letters are typically posted to Skyward in June.

Accommodations and supports

Students can work with their ML teachers to ensure proper accommodations and supports are put in place prior to taking the assessment. Available Accommodations and Supports are listed at WIDA Accessibility and Accommodations Supplement. 

Note that due to the nature of the assessment, some accommodations are not permissible on this assessment (e.g., translated dictionaries) even if the accommodation is stated on the student’s IEP/504 plan.

Translation information

Due to the nature of the assessment, translation devices (e.g., dictionaries) are not permissible during the Summative. Attempts are made to provide score reports and follow-up letters in both English and the family's home language.

Additional information

For more information, visit the LWSD Multilingual Learners page, OSPI’s English Language Proficiency Assessments page, or the WIDA Consortium. You can also contact the Multilingual Program.

Student group

All students in grades 5, 7, 11 and 12.

Purpose of assessment

The social studies civics assessment ensures that every student is provided a high-caliber civic education from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Assessment and results window

The civics assessment is developed at the school and teacher level in alignment with state civics standards. The assessment times vary depending on when the civics content is completed within the course. Individual student results are not reported to the district nor the state and typically are part of the course grade.

Accommodations and supports

As with any other aspect of education, students with special needs or disabilities should have an appropriate individual education plan (IEP) developed jointly by parents and school officials. This plan should detail appropriate instructional goals and assessments. Generally, any support or accommodation acceptable in the normal course of instruction may be used for assessments.

Translation information

Translation supports or accommodations that are acceptable in the normal course of instruction may be used for the civics assessment.

Additional information

For more information, go to OSPI’s Civic Education page or contact the Teaching and Learning Department.

Student group

All students in kindergarten.

Purpose of assessment

WaKIDS is a transition process that strives to connect the key adults in a child’s life while also providing a smooth transition between early learning or home, into the kindergarten classroom. WaKIDS also provides important information about of where Washington's kindergartners are in their development early in the school year. The data collected through WaKIDS helps to inform classroom decisions about individualized learning and district-and state-level decisions about education policy and investments.

There are three components of WaKIDS:

1. Family Connection
   The Family Connection welcomes families into the Washington K-12 system as partners in their child’s education. This component occurs through a Family Connection Meeting which begins to build a relationship between the kindergarten teacher and each child's family.
2. Early Learning Collaboration
   In the Early Learning Collaboration, schools work together with community-based early learning programs to promote common understanding of school readiness so that children can transition smoothly into kindergarten.
3. Whole-child Assessment
   The Whole Child Assessment helps kindergarten teachers learn about the skills and strengths of the children in their classrooms so they can meet the needs of each child. The data collected during the WaKIDS Whole-child Assessment is used to guide instruction and to inform the school, district, state policy and practices.

Assessment and results window

The Family Connection meetings take place between September 5, 2023, to September 7, 2023. Kindergarten teachers will work with parents/guardians to schedule the individual Family Connection Meeting. The Whole Child Assessment is an ongoing assessment from September 8, 2023, to November 15, 2023. Results from the Whole Child Assessment are used internally but are not shared with families.

Accommodations and supports

The Family Connection is a conversation, not an assessment, so there is flexibility to provide accommodations and supports as needed. The Whole-child Assessment uses the GOLD® Objectives for Development and Learning, a developmental progression spanning birth through third grade, granting the tool the ability to accommodate individual children at varying developmental milestones.

Translation information

For the Family Connection meeting, the Introducing Me! Booklet and WaKIDS Family Brochures are available in 19 languages from OSPI. For students who qualify for multilingual (ML) services, the kindergarten teacher will work with the ML teacher as needed to assess the student.

Additional information

For more information, visit the WaKIDS from OSPI page or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

All students in grades K-8.

Purpose of assessment

In alignment with best practices and the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, LWSD utilizes FastBridge as our universal screening tool in literacy and math. The assessments provide valid, reliable data to identify students who are on track and those who require supplemental or intensive instruction. FastBridge's earlyReading and CBMreading screening assessments serve as the literacy screener and screening assessment for dyslexia.

Assessment and results window

FastBridge assessing takes place three times a year. The three assessment windows are as follows. Individual assessment dates will vary by school.

1. Beginning of Year (BOY): September 5, 2023, to October 6, 2023.
2. Middle of Year (MOY): December 4, 2023, to February 2, 2024.
3. End of Year (EOY): April 29, 2024, to May 31, 2024.

Results are posted to Skyward approximately 2 weeks after the last day of the assessment window. If risk designations indicate that your student is at risk, more information is gathered one-on-one to learn more about them as a reader. You will be notified if your student needs additional tiers of interventions outside of the tier 1 and tier 2 instruction provided by the classroom teacher. 

Accommodations and supports

Relevant accommodations and supports included in IEP/504 plans will be implemented during the FastBridge assessment. For more information about accommodations available for the FastBridge assessment, please visit FastBridge’s Special Accommodations.

Translation information

Due to the nature of the assessment, translation devices (e.g., dictionaries) are not permissible.

Additional information

For more information, visit LWSD Dyslexia and Foundational Literacy page or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

AP testing is optional and available for students in grades 9-12.

Purpose of assessment

AP is a nationwide program that is designed to prepare secondary students for higher education. AP classes provide rigorous, college-level curriculum in various subjects and the opportunity to earn college credits or advanced college standing. The AP program is made possible by the close cooperation of secondary schools, colleges and the College Board. AP classes are open to all high school students in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). AP exams are optional for students who would like to participate.

Assessment and results window

Registration is open from September through early October. AP exams are administered May 6, 2024, to May 17, 2024. Specific dates and times for each assessment can be found at 2024 AP Exam Dates. Scores are available in July on the College Board site.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator to request appropriate accommodations for AP exams. For more information, visit Accommodations on College Board Exams.

Translation and information

Oral and written instructions for the AP exams are in English, including the AP language exams. Score reports are provided by College Board and are in English.

Additional information

For more information, go to LWSD Accelerated Programs page or contact the Accelerated Programs Department.
 

Student group

All students in grade 10 will take the PSAT. The test is optional for students in grade 11. Only 11th graders are eligible for NMSQT scholarship opportunities.

Purpose of assessment

The PSAT measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing and math that students learn in the classroom. These are the same knowledge and skills your student needs to succeed in college and their career. After testing, students will receive a score report which shows how well they performed and which AP courses match their strengths. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The PSAT/NMSQT also connects students to scholarship opportunities.

Assessment and results window

Testing takes place on the designated Wednesday in October. Scores will be available on the College Board site in December.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator and SAT Coordinator to request appropriate accommodations for the PSAT. For more information, visit Accommodations on College Board Exams.

Translation information

Oral and written instructions are in English. Score reports are provided by College Board and are in English.

Additional information

For more information, visit PSAT/NMSQT Information or PSAT Parent Information. You can also contact the school’s PSAT Coordinator or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

All students in grade 12 can register to take the SAT at their school. High school students in any grade can also sign-up to take the SAT on a different day or time at SAT Dates and Deadlines.

Purpose of assessment

The SAT measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing and math that students learn in the classroom. This is the same knowledge and skills your student needs to succeed in college and their career. The SAT connects your student to scholarship opportunities as well as to colleges that are looking for students like them. 

Assessment and results window

Students in grade 12 can take the SAT on SAT School Day on the designated Wednesday in October. Scores are available on the College Board site approximately two weeks after completing the SAT.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) Coordinator and SAT Coordinator to request appropriate accommodations for the SAT. For more information, visit Accommodations on College Board Exams.

Translation information

Oral and written instructions for the SAT are in English. Score reports are provided by College Board and are in English.

Additional information

For more information, visit SAT Parent Information, contact the school’s SAT Coordinator, or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

The test is currently available to high school students, grades 8-12, who are seeking credit for a language in which they are already proficient.

Purpose of assessment

In addition to American Sign Language (ASL), French, Japanese, and Spanish high school courses, LWSD also offers World Language Credit by Proficiency for any language. High school students can earn up to a maximum of four credits and the Seal of Biliteracy. Students are assessed in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Assessment and results window

Tests are offered at multiple times throughout the year at the high schools and the LWSD Resource Center. Updated dates are posted on the registration link on the World Language Credit by Proficiency page or you can contact the Assessment Team for more information.

Approximately six to eight weeks after taking the assessment, students will receive a letter from the district informing them of their scores and how much credit they earned. Students will also receive the official score reports from the testing company. 

Accommodations and supports

Please indicate on the registration form if accommodations or supports are needed. All students taking an Avant language test will have an option to take a paper- or computer-based test for the writing portion.

Translation information

We recommend students take the test when they are at an intermediate level of English language skill since some test instructions will be in English, which can make the test challenging for beginning English learners. Score reports are provided in English.

Additional information

For more information, go to the LWSD World Language Credit by Proficiency page or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

Students in grades 11-12 who are attempting to fulfill the fitness knowledge requirement can take the fitness assessment.

Purpose of assessment

To earn a high school diploma, students must earn 2.0 health and fitness credits. The .5 health credit is met by taking a health course. The 1.5 fitness credits are met by course work in physical education (PE). Individual students may be excused from participating in PE on account of physical disability, employment, or religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or for other good cause. The Fitness Assessment is a cognitive, written assignment that qualifying students can complete to earn the fitness credits.

Assessment and results window

Assessment dates are posted at LWSD Physical Education Credit Option. Results are posted to Skyward 4-6 weeks after each Fitness Assessment Date.

Accommodations and supports

As with any other aspect of education, students with special needs or disabilities should have an appropriate individual education plan (IEP) developed jointly by parents and school officials. This plan should detail appropriate instructional goals and assessments. Generally, any support or accommodation acceptable in the normal course of instruction may be used for assessments. 

Translation and information

Translation supports or accommodations that are acceptable in the normal course of instruction may be used for the fitness assessment/plan.

Additional information

For more information, visit the LWSD Physical Education Credit Option page or contact the Teaching and Learning Department.

Student group

All students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 can take the survey.

Purpose of survey

The survey is sponsored by the Department of Health, the Family Policy Council, and other state agencies. It asks questions that are related to students' risk of injury, health, and alcohol and drug use. Because the same survey has been administered over time, changes in attitudes and/or patterns of behavior can be observed. Any differences between school or district results and state results may also emerge. Survey results are used by schools, the district, communities, and the state and local health departments to plan and to evaluate programs to support our youth and to reduce their risks.

Survey and results window

This survey is given every other year on the 2nd and 3rd weeks of October. The next survey will be administered in Fall 2023. Results are posted at LWSD Healthy Youth Survey. Data is posted in the spring after the survey is administered.

Accommodations and supports

The survey should be accessible for all students. Please contact the Teaching and Learning Department if additional support is needed.

Translation information

The survey is available in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. The e-survey is screen reader capable.

Additional information

For more information, visit the LWSD Healthy Youth Survey page or Washington’s Healthy Youth Survey page. You can also contact the Teaching and Learning Department.

Student group

All students in grades 3-12 can take the survey in the fall and spring. Families and LWSD Staff will also be asked to take the survey in the spring.

Purpose of survey

Our district partners with a leader in social and emotional learning (SEL), Panorama Education, to survey students twice a year: fall and spring. Panorama develops survey tools that empower schools and districts to learn about students’ self-perceptions, better understand student experiences in their learning environment, and identify opportunities to enhance social and emotional learning support of students, school staff, and families.

Survey and results window

• The fall survey window is October 11 to October 25, 2024.
• The spring survey window for students and families is March 10 to March 21, 2025.
• The spring survey window for LWSD staff is May 12 to May 30, 2025.

Accommodations and supports

The survey should be accessible for all students. Please contact the Assessment Team if additional support is needed.

Translation information

Translation devices can be used as needed for accessibility.

Additional information

For more information, visit the LWSD Panorama Survey page or contact the Assessment Team.

Student group

All students in grade 12 can take the survey.

Purpose of survey

The Senior Intent Survey was initiated to better understand the post-secondary plans of our students. Historically, our data has been limited to what we receive from National Clearinghouse which tracks 2- and 4-year college and university enrollment. The survey is sent to all 12th graders to broaden our understanding of the variety of pathways our students go to. Seniors will identify one of the provided plan options and then the information is used to address different areas at the school- and district-level.

Survey and results window

The survey is distributed in May and the results are not distributed.

Accommodations and supports

The survey should be accessible for all students. Please contact the Assessment Team if additional support is needed.

Translation and information

Translation devices can be used as needed for accessibility.

Additional information

For more information, contact the Assessment Team.