OSPI-Developed Social Studies Assessments

Elementary, middle, and high schools are required to have assessments or other strategies in place for students to learn essential academic learning requirements in Social Studies, The Arts, Health and Fitness, and Educational Technology. Additionally, students in the fourth or fifth grade, seventh or eighth grade, and the eleventh or twelfth grade must complete at least one OSPI-developed Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA), or district-supported alternative, in civics.

To show implementation of these assessments, school districts are required to submit an annual implementation verification report to OSPI.

Review RCW 28A.230.095 and RCW 28A.655.075 for more information!

2023–24 Instruction & Assessment Reporting Requirements

OSPI is taking a new approach to support districts in meeting the requirements outlined in law.

To meet the legislative reporting requirement for Social Studies, LEAs will attest if they have met the requirements of RCW 28A.230.095 Sections (1) and (2) through the 2023-24 Social Studies Instructional & Assessment Reporting Survey. This survey can only be completed once per district.

In order to support maximum response, the due date has changed. The information for the 2023–24 school year must be submitted no later than September 30, 2024.

OSPI will release a full bulletin that shares this information in the future.

Recommendations & Resources

OSPI recommends districts use the OSPI-developed assessments in the Arts, Educational Technology, Health and Physical Education, and Social Studies to meet the requirements of RCW 28A.230.095 and RCW 28A.655.075. If local assessments or other strategies are used to meet the requirements, it is strongly recommended they are reviewed for quality and alignment to state standards, based on research, and able to measure individual student achievement. In addition, school districts are encouraged to develop policies and procedures that support the implementation of assessments in these areas, as well as the collection, use, and retention of assessment data.