Assessment

Advance Placement Testing

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 Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 (SHSD). 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 5, 2025 to May 16, 2025.  Students should contact their grade level counselor for specific dates and times for each assessment.  Scores are available in July on the College Board site.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school counselor, 504 case manager, or IEP case manager to request appropriate accommodations for the AP exam.  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, students should contact their grade level counselor.

Early Literacy

The i-Ready Diagnostic is a web-based, adaptive assessment for students in grades K-5 that assesses both reading and math skills.  The assessment is designed to help teachers understand each student's strengths and weaknesses, and to tailor instruction accordingly.

Smarter Balanced Assessment

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 2024-2025 is March 3, 2025, to June 6, 2025. 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 OSPI’s SBA page. Or you can contact the SHSD Assessment Coordinator Kristen Barton at krbarton@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills

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 August 29 and August 30, 2025. Kindergarten teachers will work with parents/guardians to schedule the individual Family Connection Meeting. The Whole Child Assessment is an ongoing assessment from September 9, 2025, to November 15, 2025. Results from the Whole Child Assessment are used internally and 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 SHSD WaKIDS Coordinator    Mike Miller at mimiller@steilacoom.k12.wa.us. 

Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement

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

The winter assessment window for Grades 3-8, 10 (ELA, Math) is January 27, 2025 to May 2, 2025.  The spring assessment window for Grades 5, 8, 11 (Science) is January 29, 2025 to May 2, 2025.  Individual assessment dates will vary by school. Results for the winter 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 Director of Student Services Kari Terjeson at kterjson@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science

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 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 2024-2025 is April 14, 2025, to June 6, 2025. 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 SHSD Assessment Coordinator Kristen Barton at krbarton@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

World-class Instructional Design and Assessment Screener

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 10 days of a students 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.  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 OSPI’s English Language Proficiency Assessments, or you can contact SHSD MLL Coordinator Angelo Mills at amills@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

World-class Instructional Design and Assessment

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 27, 2025 to March 21, 2025. Individual dates will vary by school. Scores, score reports and parent/guardian letters are typically posted to Skyward in Summer.

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. 

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 OSPI’s English Language Proficiency Assessments page, or you can contact the SHSD MLL Coordinator Angelo Mills at amills@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

National Merit Qualifying Test

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

This assessment is offered off campus through an independent testing agency.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school counselor, 504 case manager, or IEP case manager to request appropriate accommodations for the PSAT exam.  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. 

Armed Services Aptitude Battery

Student group

ASVAB testing is optional and available for students as early as your sophomore year.

Purpose of assessment

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. The ASVAB measures your strengths, weaknesses and potential for future success in four domains: verbal, math, science and technical, and spatial.

The ASVAB includes tests in 10 areas: general science (GS), arithmetic reasoning (AR), word knowledge (WK), paragraph comprehension (PC), mathematics knowledge (MK), electronics information (EI), auto information (AI), shop information (SI), mechanical comprehension (MC) and assembling objects (AO). It provides career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors, such as college, vocational school or a military career.

Assessment and results window

This assessments is offered off campus through an independent testing agency.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school counselor, 504 case manager, or IEP case manager to request appropriate accommodations for the ASVAB exam.  For more information, visit Accommodations on College Board Exams. 

Translation and information

Oral and written instructions for the ASVAB exams are in English.

ASVAB test does not exist in any other language. Service regulations, technical manuals, operations orders, etc., are written in English. You will have to be able to function in English in the military, which is why the ASVAB test is given in English only. If you score high enough on the ASVAB and your native language is not English, you may be screened on the English Comprehension Level (ECL) test. The ECL is a standardized test that measures your listening and reading comprehension skills. Depending on your test results, you may be given follow-on testing and further training.

Additional information

For more information visit ASVAB.com.

Scholastic Aptitude Test

Student group

Students in grade 9-12 can register to take the SAT.    

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

This assessments is offered off campus through an independent testing agency.

Accommodations and supports

Students should work with their school counselor, 504 case manager, or IEP case manager to request appropriate accommodations for the SAT exam.  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.

1st Semester Standards Based Report Cards

Kindergarten Priority Standards

First Grade Priority Standards

Second Grade Grade Priority Standards

Third Grade Priority Standards

Fourth Grade Priority Standards

Fifth Grade Priority Standards

Highly Capable Referral Process (HiCap)