Change is coming to Washington education assessment. Last week, OSPI released a “webinar”—a power point and mp3 file narrated by Assessment Supt. Joe Willhoft—that states Supt. Randy Dorn’s Top 5 budget and policy priorities. And you guessed it: replacing the WASL made the list. So, what is the future of assessment in Washington?

Well, it’s called the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program (WCAP) and listed below are the six goals, according to OSPI.

1. Shorten the tests
2. Reduce the amount of time students spend on written responses
3. Return scores more quickly
4. Increase the use of technology
5. Provide more diagnostic information to teachers/parents
6. Minimize costs

The webinar provides citizens and educators with a timeline showing implementation of the new system that includes measuring students’ progress in grades 3-8, and high school proficiency exams too. Students are tested in reading, writing, math and science. The statewide goal for testing is set to begin in 2011-2012.

Also detailed, are the new math and science standards showing performance expectations arranged by course. It’s somewhat easy to read. And before the 20-slide webinar concludes with a “thank you for your support,” issues that may arise with the new testing, such as translation, are very briefly addressed. Check back frequently for further updates on Washington assessment.