Throughout the week, Federal Way students will be taking the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).

According to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Web site, the WASL is a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-response questions.

Students in grades three through eight as well as grade 10 take the WASL each spring in reading and math.

Students also are tested in writing in grades four, seven and 10, and science in grades five, eight and 10.

The time has come for this test to take place throughout the state’s public schools.

High school students will only be taking the math and science portions of the test from April 15 through April 18.

Middle school and elementary students will be tested on different portions of the test from April 15 through April 25.

WASL season has created uncertainties and mixed feelings among the student population of Federal Way.

Kimberly Cabrera, a student at Kilo Middle School, said she was nervous about the tests.

She has just recently moved from Texas and said that she doesn’t know what to expect.

“For some people, it’s really hard,” Cabrera said. “I’m just nervous because sometimes it’s hard to concentrate, but we’re just gonna be tested on what we’ve studied so far.”

On the other hand, Sara Verhust, an eighth-grader at Sacajawea Middle School, is not worried at all.

“You just have to pay attention,” Verhust said. “Yes it’s boring, but just try not to fall asleep in class.”

Verhust recommended other students to go through their notebooks before the test.

For all the students taking the WASL, the Federal Way School District recommends a good night’s sleep, then eating breakfast on the day of the test.

Contact Aileen Charleston: acharleston@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.