Federal Way Public Schools

Changes to Graduation Requirements

On May 8, 2007, Governor Gregoire signed a new law that made changes to the WASL graduation requirements, including delaying the requirement that students pass the mathematics and science WASL until the Class of 2013.

What are the Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2008?

• Beginning with the class of 2008, students need to pass the reading and writing WASL, or a state-approved alternative to the WASL*, or an assessment for students in special education.

• Assuming a student has met all other graduation requirement, including credits; reading and writing WASL; culminating project; and post-high school plan:

--A Student Can Earn a Diploma with a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement. Students can earn a diploma with a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) by passing the mathematics WASL or an approved alternative

--A Student Can Earn a Diploma Only. Students can simply earn a diploma by earning 1.0 mathematics (or CTE equivalent) credit after the 11th grade AND continue to take a state-approved math assessment until they graduate.

What Are the Graduation Requirements for the graduating class of 2009 through 2012?

• Beginning with the class of 2008, students need to pass the reading and writing WASL, or a state-approved alternative to the WASL*, or an assessment for students in special education.

• Assuming a student has met all other graduation requirement, including credits; reading and writing WASL; culminating project; and post-high school plan:

--A Student Can Earn a Diploma with a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement. Students in the graduation class of 2009 through 2012 can earn a diploma with a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) by passing the mathematics WASL or an approved alternative

A Student Can Earn a Diploma Only. Students in the graduation class of 2009 through 2012 can earn simply a diploma by earning 2.0 mathematics (or CTE equivalent) credits after the 10th grade AND continue to take a state-approved mathematics assessment until they graduate.

General Information

• The science graduation requirement is postponed until 2013.
• Students now only need to take the WASL one time before using one of the state-approved alternatives.
• To be eligible for the WASL/Grade Cohort comparison alternative, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• SAT and ACT test scores in reading and writing may now be used for purposes of a state approved alternative assessment. Prior to the bill, only mathematics scores could be used. In addition, scores on several Advanced Placement tests may be used.

*State-approved alternatives to the WASL include the Collection of Evidence; meeting cut scores on national tests such as SAT and ACT, etc.; WASL/Grade Cohort comparison.

May 15, 2007