State Testing (SBA | WCAS)
SBA & WCAS
Smarter Balance Assessment (or SBA) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) are Washington state exams. They measure student skill in the areas of reading, writing and math.
SBA ELA & WCAS will be held on April 7, 2026
SBA Math will be held on April 9, 2026
- Grade 10 students take the Smarter Balanced Assessments in English Language Arts and Math.
- Grade 11 students take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science.
- 11th & 12th graders needing to meet a graduation pathway will be asked to take the SBA ELA, Math or/or Both.
- 9th graders do not test.
2025 Test Results:
SBA (ELA/MATH):
Results were sent to students and family via ParentSquare
WCAS (Science):
Results were sent to students and family via ParentSquare
More Information About State Testing
Washington public high school students take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for English Language Arts (ELA) and math in grade 10. Grade 11 students take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Results from these assessments provide meaningful feedback and data that teachers and other educators can use to help students succeed. In addition, the results provide data to help evaluate school-level and district-wide instructional strategies, initiatives and other programs.
The ELA and math assessments are one of the ways a student can meet a state-required “graduation pathway.”
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature provided students in the class of 2020 and beyond with multiple pathways to graduation by passing House Bill (HB) 1599. For most students, meeting standard on the state assessment will be the first pathway option available in high school. All students, regardless of which graduation pathway they intend to use, are expected to take the statewide ELA and math assessments during 10th grade and to incorporate their results in their High School and Beyond Plan.
For these reasons, we recommend that students initially plan to use the state assessment to meet the graduation pathway option requirement and take advantage of additional pathway options that are aligned with their High School and Beyond Plan as appropriate.
Additional information about graduation requirements can be found on the High School Course Guide. high school guide.
From the State of Washington
The dates and calendar for End of Course Exams and the High School Proficiency Exam are established at the Washington State level by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction