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 is new about the Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2008 through 2012?

Assuming a student has met all other graduation requirements, including earning 23.5 credits; passing the reading and writing WASL (or WASL alternative*); and completing the master portfolio (which includes the state required 13^th Year Plan and Culminating Project):

--A Student Can Earn a Diploma with a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA-for students who participate in student support services). Students earn these certificates by passing the mathematics WASL or an approved alternative*. By earning one of these certificates, students have demonstrated they have mastered the state learning standards.

OR

--A Student Can Earn a Diploma Only (Without a Certificate of Academic Achievement) . For this option, each year a student must earn one full credit in a math class (or CTE equivalent class) AND take the Math WASL every year until they graduate.

*State Approved Alternatives to the WASL: Students now only need to take the WASL one time before using one of the state-approved alternatives.

· PSAT/SAT/ACT/AP test scores. This option is available for math, reading and writing-- must meet state-approved scores in these subjects. In addition, scores on several Advanced Placement tests may be used.

· Collection of Evidence. Students put together a collection of work showing mastery in the required subject. This is an extensive process and requires the student to register with the state and work independently under the guidance of Federal Way High School staff members.

· WASL/Grade Cohort comparison alternative. This option is not as simple as it sounds. The state of Washington is still working on the details of this alternative. This option should be available to the Class of 2008 next fall.

For more detailed information about the WASL or WASL alternatives:

· Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website: www.k12.wa.us

· FWHS Counseling Department:

Mary Weis (253) 945-5425 or mary-weis@fwps.org

Deanna Gooding (253) 945-5424 or deanna-gooding@fwps.org

Chad Littrell (253) 945-5426 or chad-littrell@fwps.org

Jenny Williams (253) 945-5423 or jenny-williams@fwps.org

Joan Wrigley (253) 945-5530 or joan-wrigley@fwps.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What about the science WASL? The science graduation requirement is postponed until 2013.

I took the Reading, Writing, and Math WASL in March and April, but I don’t know if I passed? Scores will be reported in early June for the Class of 2008 and Class of 2009 so students will know if they passed or if they should take the WASL again in August.

When and where is the August WASL? August 6, 7, 8, 9 at Federal Way High School

What else do I need to know about the August testing option?

· Reading, Writing, and Math are the tests that will be available for students. Science will not be offered.

· Students that miss all or part of any test will not be allowed to make up the test for any reason.

· Eligible students are Class of 2008 and Class of 2009 and includes students who did not meet standard, did not participate in spring testing, or who have transferred from out-of-state.

· Pre-registration for these tests will be online at www.k12.wa.us/waslregistration or via a toll-free telephone number (866) 400-WASL beginning on June 8-July 8.