Parents of 11th and 12th graders
Your 11th or 12th grade child has the opportunity to re-take one or more WASL tests this
spring. Students in grades 11 and 12 do not have to pass WASL tests as a graduation
requirement, because those requirements only apply to students who first entered 9th
grade in the 2004-05 school year.
However, WASL scores in reading, writing, mathematics, and science are now shown on
student transcripts. The state is providing the opportunity for 11th and 12th graders to take
the WASL so they can improve their score from when they took the WASL as a 10th
grader. Also, some students may not have taken the WASL in the 10th grade; this
opportunity allows students to demonstrate what they know and are able to do and have
a WASL score on their transcript. Eleventh and 12th graders who take a WASL this
spring will take the same test and use the same testing dates as this year’s 10th graders.
This opportunity is an individual student and parent choice. We encourage you to
consider whether or not you want your child to take any or all of the reading, writing,
math, or science WASLs. You should make this decision based on the following
information.
No fees will be charged for any 11th and 12th graders wanting to take a WASL.
You will receive preliminary score results in early June. The state will deliver
preliminary high school WASL scores in reading, writing, and mathematics to
school districts on June 8, and those score reports should be delivered to you
shortly thereafter. Finalized scores in all four subject areas (reading, writing,
mathematics, and science) will be available in early September.
Your child’s scores will be posted on his/her high school transcript. Washington
has a standardized transcript that is used by all public high schools. Beginning in
September 2005, the high school transcript includes the highest score on each
high school WASL the student has taken. However, there is no requirement for 11th
or 12th graders to have a WASL score for the transcript. If your child has no WASL
scores for a test, the transcript shows “NO SCORE” for that test. At this time, not
having a WASL score has no impact on admission to any public college or
university in Washington.
What should you do if you want your child to take one or more WASL tests?
You will need to pre-register your 11th or 12th grade child to take one or more of the
WASLs in reading, writing, mathematics, or science. Pre-registrations assures that
a test booklet and test scheduling are arranged for your child.