Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)
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Family Information and Resources
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What is the WCAS?
What is WCAS?
The WCAS is an online assessment in science that was administered for the first time in spring 2018. It fulfills the federal requirement (ESSA) that students be tested in science once at each level: elementary, middle, and high school.
The WCAS measures the level of proficiency that Washington students have achieved based on the Washington State 2013 K-12 Science Learning Standards (previously known as Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)), which were adopted in October 2013.
Who takes WCAS?
Students in grades 5, 8, and 11.
When is WCAS administered?
The state of Washington establishes a testing window in the spring. Our district testing schedule is designed to make the best use of student instructional time and use resources efficiently. The daily testing schedule will be posted on the assessment calendar.
WCAS scores - what to expect
Watch this brief video to better understand the early years of WCAS scores and how they might affect students. Transcript
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Family Resources
For more information from the Washignton State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction including:
- WCAS Features - What types of questions and student tools will be included.
- Training tests - Available in the Washington State Testing Portal (WCAP).
- Frequently Asked Questions - Questions and answers about WCAS.
- Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) - Description and timeline for implementing the new set of science standards.
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Who to contact?
Everett Public Schools WCAS Contact: Quiana Hennigan, Student Assessment Coordinator, 425-385-4057
