OSPI-Developed Social Studies Assessments

Per RCW 28A.230.095 and RCW 28A.655.075, elementary, middle and high schools are required to have assessments or other strategies in place to learn the standards for social studies. Social studies includes history, geography, civics, economics, and social studies skills. Districts are also required in the fourth or fifth grade, seventh or eighth grade, and the eleventh or twelfth grade to each complete at least one classroom-based assessment in civics. The civics assessment may be selected from a list of classroom-based assessments approved by the office of the superintendent of public instruction 

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.