Standards

Washington's academic standards, known as the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), provide common expectations for what all Washington students should know and be able to do as they progress through our public education system.

These standards were developed in the mid-1990s as part of Washington’s education reform efforts. In response to teacher demand and federal requirements, the EALRs were further fleshed out into what are called Grade Level Expectations (GLEs). The GLEs provide more detail to educators, parents and students about what should be learned from kindergarten through grade 10.

The EALRs and the GLEs were created primarily by Washington teachers, with input from parents and business and community leaders. External experts periodically review the state standards to ensure they are clear, relevant and rigorous enough. The State Board of Education conducted a review of the math standards over the summer of 2007, and the science standards will be reviewed in 2008.

There are state standards in reading, writing, communication, math, science, social studies, arts, and health and fitness. The standards are the basis for what’s assessed on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). But it’s important to note that not all of these subjects are tested on the state exam. Currently, the WASL tests students’ skills in reading, writing, math and science. Learn more about the WASL.