Basic education in Washington state is defined by the Legislature (RCW 28A.150.210). As required by state law, OSPI develops the state's learning standards (RCW 28A.655.070) and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for state and federal accountability purposes. Learning standards define what all students need to know and be able to do at each grade level.

Background

Four learning goals provide the foundation for the development of all academic learning standards in Washington state:

• Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of audiences;
• Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history, including different cultures and participation in representative government; geography; arts; and health and fitness;
• Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and to integrate technology literacy and fluency as well as different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems; and
• Understand the importance of work and finance and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities.

Our learning standards are developed through collaborative, public processes informed by educators, administrators, community members, parents and guardians, and stakeholder groups across the state and nation.

Learning Standards & Year of Adoption

• The Arts (2017)
• Computer Science (2018)
• Early Learning (birth through 3rd grade) (N/A)
• Educational Technology (2018)
• English Language Arts (2011)
• English Language Proficiency (2021)
• Environment and Sustainability (2009)
• Financial Education (2016)
• Health and Physical Education (2016)
• Mathematics (2011)
• Science (2013)
• Social Studies (2018)
• World Languages (2015)
• Social Emotional Learning Standards, Benchmarks and Indicators (2019)

Implementing Learning Standards

Achieve

This website helps states, districts, and others understand the organization and content of the standards, as well as the evidence base used to support the standards. Resources include instructional support and alignment resources, as well as implementation planning tools.

Achieve the Core

A website dedicated to helping students and teachers see that their work will lead to greater achievement. Resources include lessons, student writing samples, tools for planning, and professional development modules.

Other Information

Frequently asked questions have been developed to help inform local decision-making.

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