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Assessments

Assessments and Testing

The SPS Assessment Department collaborates with an array of stakeholders to implement and support a balanced assessment framework that includes academic as well as social-emotional measures. We promote the student-centered improvement of teaching that engages, empowers and educates all students as well as best practices for assessment literacy and data-driven decision making.

Assessments are used in Seattle Public Schools to help educators and families measure how students are meeting academic goals and grade level standards.

2026-2027 SPS Assessment Calendar

See below for dates and assessments by grade level. Always reach out to your school for specific details regarding dates, times, and participation.

2026-2027 Assessment Calendar

District Assessments

District assessments are typically given during the school year to help teachers see progress toward College and Career Readiness Standards in subjects such as math, English Language Arts (ELA) and science. Teachers can use the information from these assessments to work collaboratively with their colleagues to plan lessons and provide support for individual students.

In Seattle Public Schools, teachers use different types of formative assessments that includes curriculum embedded assessments (CEA), academic screeners, and other district recommended assessments. Content and grade level recommendations align with the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Data collected from these assessments will help inform classroom instruction and remediation and/or extension activities to meet the needs of all students as well as target allocation of support resources.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment measures a student’s developing skills through a series of questions that adapt to the child’s level of learning. The MAP assessment helps teachers measure individual student growth and assist the district with understanding student development and progress toward system wide goals.

Students in kindergarten through 8th grade take the MAP assessment for reading and/or math twice each year in the fall, winter, and spring. For detailed information on MAP, please see our Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) webpage.

Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG)

Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) is formative assessment to capture child development through authentic observations in the classroom and home.

SPS Preschool TSG Family Guide

State Assessments

State assessments are required for federal accountability and also provide a common measure of student progress at the school, district, and state levels. Our educators examine the results and use them to help determine which resources and supports are needed to close achievement gaps.

*Official results from the 2026 SBA & WCAS administration will be in the Source by the beginning of September, and the Family Report PDFs later in the fall. Sample Family Report

State Testing Resources from OSPI

Please reach out to SBACadmin@seattleschools.org with any questions.

DIBELS

DIBELS is the universal screener selected by Seattle Public Schools to meet Washington’s Early Screening of Dyslexia Law to elevate strong early literacy development.

Universal screeners are proactive in helping teachers identify the needs and strengths of their students. Screeners are an essential component of a high-functioning Multi-Tiered System of Support. The ultimate goal is to support all students in accessing grade level content.

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) English/Language Arts and Math

Smarter Balance Assessments (SBA) is the state summative assessment in English Language Arts/Literacy and Math. The tests fulfill the federal requirement that students be tested in English Language Arts and Math.

Students in grades 3-8 and 10 are required to take the ELA and math assessments. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are required to take the science assessment. Students in grades 11 or 12 may elect to take ELA and/or math in order to fulfill a graduation pathway.

  • SBA English/Language Arts and Math: May 10-28, 2027

Learn more about the SBA

OSPI Resource:

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)

The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) 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 (NGSS).

The tests fulfill the federal requirement that students be tested in science once at each level: elementary, middle, and high school.

All students are assessed on their knowledge of the standards through the WCAS in grades 5, 8, and 11.

  • Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science: April 5-30, 2027

OSPI Resource:

Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM)

The Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement (WA-AIM) is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards aligned to the Common Core State Standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

The WA-AIM is used for federal and state accountability in grades 3-8 and 10 for English Language Arts and Math and can be used to meet a student’s graduation pathway requirement. WA-AIM science is administered to students in grades 5, 8, and 11.

The WA-AIM will measure student knowledge and skills through the use of twice annual administered performance tasks.

OSPI Resource:

Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS)

The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is a transition process that helps to ensure a successful start to the K-12 experience and connect the key adults in a child’s life.

WaKIDS provides a snapshot of where Washington’s kindergartners are in their development, early in the school year. Framework:

  • Connection PreK Community
  • Family Connection
  • Observational Assessment

OSPI Resource:

WIDA Annual and WIDA Alternative Access

WIDA and WIDA Alternative Access is required annually for:

  • Qualified multilingual learner students
  • Students in the State Transitional Bilingual Education Program
  • MLL waived students

Participation in WIDA Alternate Access is for eligible students receiving special education and ELL services. Participation is an IEP team decision as outlined in WAC 392-172A-03090 through 03110. Additional information on student participation.

OSPI Resources:

    College and Career Readiness Assessments

    Seattle Public Schools offers several high school level assessments that may be connected to a student’s post-secondary goals and/or fulfill a Washington State graduation pathway.

    Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

    AP Exams are available to all students enrolled in AP courses. Each course culminates in a standardized college-level assessment, or AP Exam. Many U.S. colleges offer credit for AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. This is a graduation pathway for Washington State Students. The exams are administered around the district in the spring, though registration takes place in the fall.

    More information about College Board AP Exams

    2027 AP Exam Calendar 

    Registration Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5PM 

    Check out our AP exams schedule and registration page for more information about the following:

    • Exams for courses not taught in SPS
    • Exam registration and fees
    • Refund policy
    • Exam schedule
    • Requests for accommodations
    ASVAB

    SPS will host the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Exam in spring 2027 as part of the Washington state’s graduation pathway options, per House Bill 1599. The administration of the ASVAB is open to all SPS 12th grade students.

    2026-2027 ASVAB Dates at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence TBD

    The ASVAB is an exam created by the Department of Defense that measures an individuals’ strengths. The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude battery test that helps identify different skills and competencies. It consists of eight short individual tests covering the following:

    • General Science
    • Arithmetic Reasoning
    • Word Knowledge
    • Paragraph Comprehension
    • Mathematics Knowledge
    • Electronics Information
    • Auto and Shop information

    Students who participate in the ASVAB exam will receive scores on each of these individual tests, they will also receive the combined results to yield three career exploration scores: Verbal Skills, Math Skills, and Science and Technical Skills. Students must earn a minimum score of 31 on the AFQT portion of the exam to meet the Washington State graduation pathway option. 

    Interested in participating in the ASVAB, please contact your student’s high school for registration information.

    Seattle Public Schools is administering the ASVAB exam under reporting Option 8 – meaning that the exam results are released Only to your student and their school counselor. Students must opt in to release their results to the military.

    If you have questions about the administration of the ASVAB, please contact the Office of Assessment and Instructional Improvement at studentachievement@seattleschools.org.

    School Day SAT and PSAT/NMSQT

    The SAT is the most widely used college admissions test in the country. SAT scores are one tool used to demonstrate college and career readiness and can fulfill state graduation pathways with a minimum cut score.

    The PSAT/NMSQT provides valuable feedback on strengths and skills necessary for college study and helps prepare students for the SAT. PSAT/NMSTQ is also an opportunity for students to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships

    Please see our School Day SAT and PSAT/NMSQT page for more details.

    Useful Links 

    English Learner Supports (SAT and PSAT/NMSQT) 

    SAT School Day 

    PSAT/NMSQT 

    Free College Board Account (required to view/send scores)  

    Accommodations (SAT and PSAT/NMSQT)