Assessments Home
State Assessments
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When is it?
Takes place over the first 2 months of the school year
Who takes it?
Kindergarten students. But it is not a traditional test where your child sits and answers test questions. Instead, the WaKIDS is an observational assessment which means that kindergarten teachers observe each student in their classroom from the first day of school through early November. Over this time, they use their notes and observations to rate each of their students on the 6 domains covered below.
What does it measure?
WaKIDS helps your child’s teacher understand each kindergarten student’s readiness for kindergarten in 6 different domains:
- Social-Emotional – How children manage emotions, show empathy, and interact with others.
- Physical – Coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and overall physical development.
- Language – Understanding and use of language to communicate and learn.
- Cognitive – Thinking skills, problem-solving, and memory.
- Literacy – Early reading and writing skills.
- Mathematics – Understanding numbers, patterns, and basic math concepts.
How are the results used?
Teachers use the results to tailor instruction, support early learning, and to help parents understand what they can do to make their child’s kindergarten year as successful as possible.
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When is it?
End of the academic year. Normally between mid-April and early June. Students leaving the district early may take it as early as March.
Who takes it?
- All students in grades 3–8 and 10 except for a small number of students in the Special Education Program who participate in the alternative assessment (WA-AIM).
- Select students in grades 11 and 12 who wish to satisfy a graduation pathway requirement.
What does it measure?
The Smarter Balanced assessments measure how well students are mastering grade-level English language arts (reading and writing) and math skills based on Washington State Learning Standards.
Why is it important?
Results show how well your child is progressing toward college and career readiness as measured by Washington State. Students scoring highly enough in both ELA (score of 2548) and math (score of 2595) by the end of their 10th grade year will satisfy the single and most efficient graduation pathway option. Other graduation pathway options are included SBE website.
When can I see my child’s result?
Over the summer, the district makes your child’s SBA score report available before the end of June. However, the Student Growth Report, which allows you to better understand how well your child has been improving over time on the SBA, is delivered by the state in August. Our office will provide both of those to you and place them in your child’s Skyward Account in the Student Portfolio folder.
Understanding Your Child’s Smarter Balanced Score and Growth Reports
How to prepare:
Encourage your child to read daily, talk about what they read, and practice real-world math (like measuring or comparing prices). You may also explore what the SBA assessment looks like by visiting the WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Practice test website, click Continue as Guest and explore the Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests.
More about the Smarter Balanced Assessment
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When is it?
End of the academic year. Normally between mid-April and early-June. Students leaving the district early may take it in early-April.
Who takes it?
All students in grades 5, 8 and 11 except for a small number of students in the Special Education Program who participate in the alternative assessment (WA-AIM).
What does it measure?
Measures the level of proficiency students have achieved based on WA State’s Next Generation Science Standards.
How are the results used?
Helps teachers adjust instruction and reinforce science learning.
When can I see my child’s results?
Your child’s score report should be posted in the Student Portfolio area of their Skyward account by mid-September. The score reports arrive much later since the state has a lengthy scoring process.
How should students prepare?
Ask your child what science topics they’re learning and encourage them to explain or demonstrate their understanding. You may also explore what the WCAS assessment looks like by visiting the WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Practice test website, click Continue as Guest and explore the WCAS Training Tests
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When is it?
Late-January through late-March
Who takes it?
Any student who is an English language learner and enrolled in the district’s Multilingual Learner Program.
What does it measure?
English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
How are the results used?
Results help determine when students no longer need English language support and guide classroom instruction.
When can I see my child's results?
Your child’s score report will be posted in the Student Portfolio area of their Skyward account by mid-August. The score reports arrive much later since the state has a lengthy validation process.
How should students prepare?
Encourage your child to practice English at home or with friends—reading aloud, watching shows with English subtitles, or having conversations in English.
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When is it?
Late-January through the end of April.
Who takes it?
Students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3–8 and 10 (ELA and Math) and grades 5, 8, and 11 (Science) whose Individualized Education Plan specifies the need for this assessment.
What does it measure?
Alternate achievement standards in ELA, Math, and Science
When can I see my child's results?
Your child’s score report should be posted in the Student Portfolio area of their Skyward account by mid-July.
How are the results used?
Results guide instructional planning and measure individual progress.
How should students prepare?
Support communication and learning routines at home and talk with your child’s teacher or special education team about individual goals.
District Assessments
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When is it?
January to late March. Students register for the assessment during two periods: in late October and early January.
Who takes it?
Middle and high school students who are already proficient in or studying an additional language may pursue opportunities to earn extra credit applicable to the state's world language credit requirement.
What does it measure?
The STAMP (Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency) test measures how well students can read, write, listen, and speak in a foreign language. It assesses real-world language use, not memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules.
How are the results used?
Students who score high enough can earn high school world language credits and may qualify for the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy.
When can I see my child’s results?
Your child’s score report will be posted in the Student Portfolio area of your child’s Skyward account by early May.
How should students prepare?
Encourage your child to use the language regularly — speaking with family or friends, watching shows, reading books, or journaling in that language. Regular practice in all four areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing) is best. Become comfortable speaking into the microphone prior to taking the test.
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When is it?
Three times a year – in the Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring (April)
Who takes it?
All students in grades K-8
What does it measure?
The Star Renaissance assessments measure how well students are mastering skills in reading and mathematics compared to students across the nation. It also helps teachers know which students are on track to be proficient in the WA State Learning Standards by the end of the year.
How are the results used?
Teachers and principals use the results to track academic growth, set goals, and adjust instruction. Star results can also help identify students who need additional support or enrichment. Additionally, results may be used to refer students to the district’s Highly Capable Program.
When can I see my child's results?
Your child’s score report will be posted within 2 weeks following the end of each of the three Star assessment windows (Fall/Winter/Spring). After the Fall you will receive a Star Parent Report which includes how well your child is performing. After the Winter and Spring assessment windows, you will receive two Star Student Reports that includes information about how well your child is performing and growing from the Fall to Winter and from the Fall to the Spring. You can find these reports in the Student Portfolio of your child’s Skyward Account.
How should students prepare?
Encourage daily reading, talking about books and ideas, and practicing math in real-life situations (like cooking or budgeting). Make sure your child tries their hardest on all three assessments each year and remind them it’s a tool to help their teachers understand how to best support them.
How do I interpret the Star Student Report which also includes student growth?
Since Star measures growth over time, the most informative reports are available in February (Winter) and May (Spring), which describe your child’s academic growth in reading and math since the Fall. Here is a video that describes this report, which you can find in the Student Portfolio are of your child’s Skyward Account.
Understanding Your Child’s Score Report on the Star Assessment
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When is it?
Two times a year – in the Fall (October) and Winter (February)
Who takes it?
Universal Screening for grade 2 is done in October. All students take the CogAT Screener and those performing amongst the top 20% districtwide move on to take the remainder to the test – the CogAT Post-Screener.
Students who are referred by their parents and/or teachers are given the CogAT Complete (full test) in February. These include students in grade 2 who enrolled in the district after the universal screening took place in October.
What does it measure?
The CogAT measures how students learn and solve problems, rather than what they’ve been taught in school. It assesses verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning skills to understand a student’s learning potential.
How are the results used?
Results help educators identify students who may benefit from advanced learning opportunities or enrichment programs. It’s one part of a broader identification process that considers students’ results on the Smarter Balanced and Star assessments as well as teacher surveys.
When can I see my child's results
Your child’s score report will be posted within 2 weeks following the end of the CogAT assessment window. You can find that report in the Student Portfolio of your child’s Skyward Account.
How should students prepare?
There are plenty of CogAT practice resources available for students to help them better understand the question types and format of the test. Puzzles, logic games, and activities that encourage problem-solving can help your child build reasoning skills.
College Preparatory Assessments
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When is it?
Offered by the Clover Park School District in the Fall. The testing window typically runs from late October through early November. Exact dates will be announced by your child’s high school. All high schools in the district participate
Who Takes the ACT?
This opportunity is provided for any student who would like to participate. Typically, college bound juniors and seniors (11th and 12th grade) elect to participate
What does it measure?
The ACT tests skills in:
- English – grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
- Math – algebra, geometry, trigonometry
- Reading – passage comprehension
- Science – data interpretation and analysis
- Writing – an optional section assessing writing and argumentation (included by the district)
How are the results used?
- Scholarships – Numerous merit-based scholarship programs evaluate applicants' ACT scores as part of their selection criteria.
- Placement – Certain institutions utilize ACT results to determine appropriate course placement for incoming students.
- Readiness Indicator – ACT scores serve as a metric for schools and students to assess preparedness for college-level coursework.
- College Admissions – The majority of colleges and universities in the United States accept ACT scores for undergraduate admissions.
When can I see my child’s results?
Students can view, download, and send ACT scores by signing in to their MyACT account that was created when registering for the ACT. ACT scores are typically available online within a few weeks after testing.
How should students prepare?
- ACT.org offers free and paid test prep materials
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When Is the SAT Offered?
Offered by the Clover Park School District in the Spring. The testing window typically runs from late Early March through April. Exact dates will be announced by your child’s high school. All high schools in the district participate
Who Takes the SAT?
- U.S. high school students, in 11th or 12th grade, preparing for college
What Does the SAT Measure?
- Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (ERW) – reading comprehension, grammar, and writing mechanics
- Math – algebra, problem-solving, geometry, and data analysis
How Are SAT Results Used?
- Strong scores enhance a student’s applications, especially at selective institutions
- Provides evidence to help students earn scholarships & financial aid
- May help with advanced course placement in college
When can I see my child’s results?
Students can view and download SAT scores by signing in to their College Board account that was used to register for the SAT. SAT scores are typically released about 2 to 4 weeks after the test date, depending on the testing administration. Students are notified when scores are available in their College Board account.
How Should Students Prepare?
Use free College Board resources, including Bluebook practice tests and Khan Academy’s SAT prep tools
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When is AP Testing Offered?
Early May through Mid-May
Who Takes AP Exams?
Students who are enrolled in AP courses and wish to participate
What Do AP Exams Measure?
College-level content and skills covered in an AP course
How Are AP Results Used?
AP exam results are typically used by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for course credit or advanced placement. Strong scores can allow students to skip introductory college courses or fulfill certain requirements, giving them a head start to more quickly obtain a degree.
When can I see my child’s results?
Students can view and download AP scores by signing in to their College Board account using the AP Student website. AP scores are typically released in early July.
How Should Students Prepare?
- Consult your AP teacher about the format of the exam
- Visit College Board’s AP Classroom online platform to find tools to prepare
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When is it Offered?
In October. Check with your high school for the exact dates
Who Takes It?
Any 11th grader who wishes to compete for a National Merit Scholarship or wishes to gain practice taking the SAT before the Spring offering of the exam
What Does It Measure?
- Evidence-based Reading and Writing – reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills
- Math – algebra, problem-solving and data analysis
How Are Results Used?
- To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program
- Practice for the SAT: Though the PSAT is shorter, its format and question types are similar
When can I see my child’s results?
Students can view their PSAT/NMSQT scores by signing into their College Board account by using the account associated with their test registration. Scores are typically available 4 to 6 weeks after the test date.
How Should Students Prepare?
- Utilize PSAT practice tests from the College Board
- Explore free tools from Khan Academy that allow students to prepare for the PSAT and SAT