The Washington Alternative Assessment System (WAAS) provides assessment options to students who are not able to participate on the WASL, even with accommodations. A student must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to access these options. There are three WAAS options:
- Developmentally Appropriate WASL (DAW) with a Grade Level Change - The IEP team determines that the appropriate WASL is a grade lower than the student's chronological grade, with or without accommodations. This option is available only to students in grades 11 and 12 as needed to meet state graduation requirements.
- WASL-Basic with a Standard Level Change. - The IEP team determines that proficiency level 2 (basic) is the appropriate performance level. This is only available for the current grade level WASL and cannot be used for a WASL at a lower grade level.
- Portfolio - For students with significant disabilities. The Portfolio shows a student's growth toward appropriate IEP goals for the year.
Students meeting WAAS standards will be awarded a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) which will be recorded on their transcripts. The state legislature says that earning a CIA meets graduation requirements.
Related WASL information