Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science

In 2018, students in grades 5, 8, and 11 took the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS), based on the new Next Generation Science Standards. These standards are more rigorous than previous ones, setting a new baseline for student performance. The video uses a mountain climbing analogy to explain that while students' skills haven't diminished, the higher standards mean fewer students will initially meet them. The WCAS aims to measure these standards and ensure students are on track for college or career readiness in science.

In which year did students in grades 5, 8, and 11 first take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science?

• 2017

• 2019

• 2018

• 2016

What are the new standards called that the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science is based on?

• Common Core Standards

• Next Generation Science Standards

• Previous Science Standards

• Advanced Science Standards

How does the new science assessment compare to previous assessments like the MSP and biology end-of-course exams?

• It is the same

• It is less comprehensive

• It is easier

• It is not comparable

What analogy is used to explain the increased difficulty of the new standards?

• Running a marathon

• Climbing two mountains

• Crossing a desert

• Swimming across a lake

Which mountain is used to represent the higher standard in the analogy?

• Mount Everest

• Mount St. Helens

• Mount Rainier

• Mount Adams

What is the primary purpose of the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science?

• To measure rigorous standards

• To rank schools

• To replace all other exams

• To reduce testing time

What does the WCAS aim to determine about students?

• Their artistic skills

• Their social skills

• Their athletic abilities

• Their college and career readiness

Why are fewer students expected to meet the new standards initially?

• The test is optional

• The standards are lower

• The standards are higher

• The test is shorter

What does the new baseline indicate about student and school performance?

• There is no change

• It is a new starting point

• They are performing better

• They are performing worse