Schools will administer all exams beginning at 8 a.m. or as soon as reasonable after the start of the regularly-scheduled school day. The HSPE reading and science exams take one day, while the writing exam takes two days. The testing dates are March 15-16 (writing) and March 17 (reading). The science HSPE will be given April 12 and, for the first time, students in the classes of 2013 and beyond are required to pass the science HSPE.
To contribute to a successful test outcome, students must arrive at school on time, take the exams seriously and do the best they can, because the tests count as part of their graduation requirements. For the district and individual schools to meet academic goals, students need to take the tests.
Parents can help put their students in the best position to succeed by following these test-taking tips:
- Mark test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
- Your child needs to eat a healthy breakfast before taking a test. Avoid heavy foods that may make your child sleepy and avoid high-sugar foods that may make your child hyperactive.
- Make sure your child gets up early enough to get to school on time and is relaxed on test days.
- You may be nervous or worried about your child taking a test, but try to be calm around your child. You don't want your anxiety to make your child nervous, too.
- Encourage your child to do well, but don't pressure him or her. You may stress your child out, and it is important for your child to stay relaxed and focused before and during a test.
- If your child is struggling with test taking, talk to him or her about it and consult with a teacher or school counselor to find out the best way to help your child.
The HSPE measures the proficiency of students in high school and serves as the state's exit exam in reading, writing and science. Students in the classes of 2011 and 2012 must pass the reading, writing and math high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), HSPE, a math end-of course exam or a state-approved alternative to be eligible to graduate. Students in the classes of 2013 and beyond must pass exams in reading, writing, science and math.
The biggest change in state testing this spring is the move to end-of-course exams in math, specifically in algebra 1 and geometry or their integrated math equivalents, and the state will no longer use a comprehensive math HSPE test. The math end-of-course exams are given in the last three weeks of the school year.