• Teaching and Learning: WA is a local control state, but we did do a science instructional materials review in 2009 and then recommended materials for elementary, middle school, and high school (biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated, physical science and physics).
   
• Assessment: Science assessment in WA State involves two tests: the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) for grades 5 & 8, and the High School Proficiency Exam.
  
  The Spring 2010 science MSPs measured the level of progress that Washington students have achieved based on the 2005 Grade Level Expectations. In Spring 2011, the science MSPs will test the 2009 Standards.
  
  In Spring 2011, the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) for grade 10 will assess the 2005 Science standards. In the 2011-2012 school year, the high school science assessment will be replaced with an end-of-course test in biology based on the 2009 Standards.
  
  The state education agency was directed by the legislature to recommend by December 1, 2010 whether additional end-of-course assessments in science should be developed and in which content areas.

State Education Demographics

• Number of K-12 Students: 1,021,621 (May 2010)
• Number of School Administrative Units: 295 School Districts

Science K-12 Learning Standards

• Information: The standards are organized into 4 Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). The first 3 EALRs address cross cutting concepts of Systems, Inquiry, and Application The 4th EALR addresses 9 “Big Ideas” in the domains of science (physical, life, and earth and space). 
• Last Updated: June 2009

State Science Assessment Information

• Date Established: 1997
• Grades tested: 5, 8, 10
• Time of Year: Spring

Science Assessments

Associate Members

Roy Beven
Cinda Parton

Honorary Members

David Kennedy