According to preliminary state-level data released June 20 by State Superintendent Randy Dorn, more than 93 percent of Washington’s 12th-grade students in the Class of 2013 passed both the state reading and writing high school proficiency exams (HSPE), or state-approved alternatives, prior to reaching their respective graduation ceremonies.

The Class of 2013 faces a new hurdle: They also need to pass a math end-of-course (EOC) exam in algebra I or geometry. EOCs are administered during the last three weeks of school, and preliminary results will be returned in late August, along with preliminary results from the Measurements of Student Progress for grades 3-8 and district- and school-level numbers for the HSPE.

Final results for all exams will be available in the fall.

“The HSPE passage rate continues to rise,” Dorn said. “Our students perform quite well on reading and writing exams. Teachers, students and families have been working hard to achieve these results.”

Tenth grade is the first year students can attempt the reading and writing HSPEs. They may continue to attempt to pass the test, or choose a state-approved alternative, until they meet the requirement and receive a diploma at the end of 12th grade.

A student’s graduation requirements are determined according to the year he or she begins 9th grade. A student starting 9th grade in 2009-10 must fulfill the requirements of the Class of 2013, even if he or she does not graduate until after that year.

Students in the Class of 2013 must have passed reading and writing HSPEs, as well as one math EOC — either in algebra I or geometry. They must also fulfill credit requirements, complete a culminating project and develop a high school and beyond plan.

“Twelfth graders who didn’t graduate in June should be encouraged to stay in school and finish their education,” Dorn said. “Earning a high school diploma is a significant accomplishment.”

About OSPI

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K–12 education in Washington state. Led by State School Superintendent Randy Dorn, OSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform on behalf of more than one million public school students.

OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director at (360) 725-6162 or P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200.