In school halls and administration offices, the past year has been filled with angst, accomplishment, ambition and anxiety toward the newest state graduation requirement — the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

Beginning with the class of 2008, students must meet the standard on the reading, writing and mathematics sections of the WASL in order to graduate. Statewide percentages from last year’s math WASL had many hitting the panic button when they were released as less than 50 percent of Washington’s class of 2008 met standard.

But not to worry, WASL-supporters said.

Gov. Chris Gregoire lumped money into the schools to finance free WASL-help summer school for all of those in need. Similar programs have taken shape during the school year as well, with the hope being that those students who didn’t meet standard as sophomores in 2006 will be able to meet it as juniors in 2007.

Presently, this year’s 10th and 11th graders at North Kitsap and around the state are penciling in answers and explaining their thought processes with the weight of graduation hinging on the test.

Juniors who did not meet standard last year will be automatically registered for and expected to take the exam, according to a North Kitsap School District press release.

At North Kitsap High School, students will take portions of the WASL from 7:40-10:40 a.m. today and Thursday, then again at the same time March 19 and 20.

All students must bring a photo ID for each day of testing and are advised to leave electronics — including iPods — at home and to bring something to read in the case that they finish early. Students are encouraged to use the entire time, according to the district.

Those students who aren’t testing will be offered other activities on campus in the gym as well as the library. Non-testing students who have their own transportation have the option to arrive late.

Regular class for today and March 15 will begin at 10:45 a.m., students will attend two periods. On March 19 and 20, regular class will begin at 9:45 a.m. with students attending three periods.