2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 28A.655.200: Norm-referenced assessments — Diagnostic assessments.

(1) In the absence of mandatory, statewide, norm-referenced assessments, the legislature intends to permit school districts to offer norm-referenced assessments, make diagnostic tools available, and provide funding for diagnostic assessments to enhance guidance and planning for students and to provide early intervention before the high school Washington assessment of student learning.

     (2) In addition to the diagnostic assessments provided under subsection (5) of this section, school districts may, at their own expense, administer norm-referenced assessments to students.

     (3) By September 1, 2005, subject to available funds, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall post on its web site for voluntary use by school districts, a guide of diagnostic assessments. The assessments in the guide, to the extent possible, shall include the characteristics listed in subsection (4) of this section.

     (4) Beginning September 1, 2007, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall make available to school districts diagnostic assessments that help improve student learning. To the greatest extent possible, the assessments shall be:

     (a) Aligned to the state's grade level expectations;

     (b) Individualized to each student's performance level;

     (c) Administered efficiently to provide results either immediately or within two weeks;

     (d) Capable of measuring individual student growth over time and allowing student progress to be compared to other students across the country;

     (e) Readily available to parents; and

     (f) Cost-effective.

     (5) Beginning with the 2006-07 school year, the superintendent of public instruction shall reimburse school districts for administration of diagnostic assessments in grade nine for the purpose of identifying academic weaknesses, enhancing student planning and guidance, and developing targeted instructional strategies to assist students before the high school Washington assessment of student learning.

     (6) The office of the superintendent of public instruction is encouraged to offer at statewide and regional staff development activities training opportunities that would assist practitioners in:

     (a) The interpretation of diagnostic assessments; and

     (b) Application of instructional strategies that will increase student learning based on diagnostic assessment data.

[2006 c 117 § 4; 2005 c 217 § 2.]

Intent -- 2006 c 117: See note following RCW 28A.600.045.