Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

Who approved these graduation requirements?

In 1993, the Washington State Legislature - with strong bipartisan support - approved House Bill 1209, which said ALL children could - and must - learn at levels higher than once expected. This bill required the creation of common learning standards, a test to measure a student’s progress in achieving these standards and a graduation requirement that signifies a student has met minimum learning expectations. In 2000, the State Board of Education determined the new graduation requirements would take effect with the class of 2008. In 2004, the state Legislature put the date into law. In 2007, the Legislature made changes to the WASL graduation requirement : The class of 2008 will need to pass the reading and writing WASLs, but math and science is delayed until 2013.

Why do reading and writing requirements begin with the class of 2008?

The class of 2008 is the first class educated from kindergarten through grade 12 with the state's higher learning standards in reading, writing and math. Fifteen years was considered enough time to improve schools and teach students the skills they need. Our state has one of the longest implementation timelines of any other state with similar graduation requirements.

Why are math and science requirements delayed until 2013?

State lawmakers recently made changes to the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) graduation requirement, delaying math and science until 2013. This delay gives students more time to improve their mathematics and science skills. It also gives the school system time to deepen and accelerate improvement efforts around the state math and science standards, instruction materials, assessments and professional development for teachers.

Are these the only graduation requirements students must meet?

No. Students are required to meet four minimum state graduation requirements that include:

• Passing the WASL or a state-approved alternative in key subjects (Class of 2008: reading and writing, Class of 2013: math and science)
• Complete a Culminating Project
• Craft a High School and Beyond Plan
• Meet Academic Credit Requirements (the state minimum is 19 but many school districts require additional credit requirements)

These are the minimum statewide requirements for students. Many school districts will ask students to complete additional requirements such as community service. Check with your school district about its expectations.

Who will make sure students complete the new state requirements?

School districts will implement and manage all of the requirements except the Certificate of Academic Achievement, which the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will implement and oversee, including all scoring of the high school WASL.

Are special education students included in the requirements?

Yes. Accommodations and retakes on the WASL will be available for all special education students. Students with severe cognitive disabilities, who are unable to take the WASL with or without accommodations and who meet state-defined criteria, are eligible to earn a Certificate of Individual Achievement and still receive a high school diploma. Using guidelines from the state, a student’s parent and teachers will determine eligibility for this route to the diploma. All special education students are expected to fulfill all of the graduation requirements.

Are students who have English as a second language included in the requirements?

Yes. All students who have English as a second language are expected to fulfill all of the graduation requirements. An assistance program is being developed at the state technical and community colleges where ESL students who do not pass the high school WASL can enroll in a community college program and work toward a Certificate and diploma.

What information is recorded on a student’s transcript?

Starting with the class of 2006, transcripts show a student’s highest WASL score in each subject area. (Students in the classes of 2006 and 2007 were given two retake opportunities.) Beginning with the class of 2008, students will receive a Scholar’s designation for scoring a Level 4 – the highest level – on their first attempt on the high school WASL. The transcript also will note if a student earned a Certificate of Academic Achievement or a Certificate of Individual Achievement. The transcript will not indicate if a student earned a Certificate of Academic Achievement via the WASL or through the alternative. The WASL is the only graduation requirement being noted statewide on student transcripts.

Do other states have similar graduation requirements?

Washington is one of 26 states that either has or will tie a statewide skills and knowledge test to graduation. Other states that have tests in place found that the statewide graduation rate remained stable or increased; most saw dropout rates stay consistent or decrease.