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WASL not the obstacle many expected

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 12:59 AM PDT

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Daily News editorial

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning was not the obstacle to graduation that many parents had feared. All but a relative handful of area high school seniors will be graduating with their classes June 14. The Class of 2008 — the first that needed to pass the reading and writing portions of the WASL to earn high school diplomas — was up to the challenge.

Eleven students in the Longview School District won’t graduate next week because they haven’t passed the WASL, according to Daily News reporter Carrie Pederson. In Kelso, the number is two. Just one senior in Castle Rock has yet to pass the WASL. Toutle also will graduate all but one senior. In Woodland, four seniors had to pass the WASL this spring to earn diplomas. Pederson reported that three had passed the exam and the district was still awaiting results for the fourth student. The WASL will not prevent any senior from graduating at Kalama High School.

“We feel pretty dang good because, for the Class of 2008, there was a lot of anxiety,” Kalama High School Principal Mike Hamilton told Pederson. “They met the challenge.”

Indeed, the performance of this year’s graduating class should serve to calm a number of anxious lawmakers, who only last winter were seeking to postpone the WASL graduation requirement. Delaying the requirement that seniors pass the reading and writing portions of the WASL would have amounted to big step toward scrapping the ambitious education reform undertaken by the state more than 15 years ago.

During the 2007 legislative session, lawmakers postponed the implementation of the WASL math requirement from 2008 to 2013. That led to this year’s decision to effectively eliminate the math portion of the WASL as a graduation requirement. Passing individual math course exams now will be sufficient to earn a diploma.

Can the current push to improve high school math instruction be sustained without requiring students to pass the math portion of the WASL? We hope so, but are not optimistic. It’s doubtful that math instruction would have received so much attention absent that graduation requirement.

The fact is, the requirement that students demonstrate proficiency in various subject areas before receiving a diploma has been critical to moving the 1992 school reform forward. The goal of that reform was to give high school diplomas in this state more meaning — to end the all-too-frequent practice of awarding diplomas to students who simply put in their time. The WASL graduation requirement is essential to meeting that goal, in that it provides the necessary accountability. Students here and around the state are showing they can measure up to WASL’s challenge. Parents and policy makers can best support them by continuing to support the higher educational standard WASL demands.

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Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:19 AM:

" Although the [padded] numbers appear to give us hope, no one seems brave enough to actually report the truth. While only a handful of seniors won't graduate because of WASL, we need to ask ourselves, "At what cost?" The price tag for the test itself is staggering. When students couldn't pass it, then we went out and spent millions more creating hoops for them to jump through...and tiring out teachers in the process. Yes, taxpayers spent MILLIONS on those alternative assessment options. Even though it was successful (thanks to the hard work of teachers!), I have to ask, as a responsible citizen, why in the world should we spend even a dime on an "alternative assessment?" Why isn't WASL good enough, as written? Why did we waste so much money on WASL prep classes, WASL summer school, and 12 years of curriculum alignment, only to dig deeper to provide "other" ways for kids to pass it? The public deserves to know that the number of kids who didn't actually PASS the test itself is staggering. Only about half passed the math WASL...the others earned another credit of math in place of the test. All the good sheep will read the above article and leave thinking, "Hmm. Well, WASL really *does* work, by golly...don't know what all the controversy was about..." Wake up, citizens! Don't believe the propaganda OSPI is selling to the media. "

Viewpoint wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:30 AM:

" To suggest that previous classes, by not completing a WASL graduation requirement, did not demonstrate proficiency in achieving their diplomas is demeaning to all past graduates and their teachers. To overly emphasize the significance of passing the WASL as preparation for future educational or career success is folly. "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:35 AM:

" 32,000 teachers in this state took a vote of no confidence in the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Their beef? Terry Bergeson can't--or won't--tell the people of this state exactly how much WASL is costing us. She has repeatedly padded numbers to make things appear better than they are (by not counting every student in her final reports). The Washington Education Association commissioned a study to get to the bottom of things. The result was mind-boggling. The cost for ONE year of WASL is now about $114 million. A massive portion of that big number is what we spent on the alternative assessment options. That means kids COULD NOT pass WASL, so the state had to come up with "other ways" students could "pass it." When I read propaganda like this editorial, it infuriates me. The facts are presented in a misleading manner. If I believed this editorial, I would leave the breakfast table thinking that in Kelso (my district) only TWO seniors didn't pass WASL. I would say a hearty, "Yay." But since I know the truth, I know that MOST kids didn't pass it the first, or even second time, and many kids didn't pass it after 4 times, thus had to pursue costly "options." Kelso High School had to hire three new math teachers just to teach the state-written "Segmented Math" class that WASL-failing students took. Does anyone else see a problem? "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Does everyone know that taxpayers footed the bill for kids to take SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP tests, so they could use those scores "in place" of WASL? Students who passed WASL had to, um, pay for their own tests. Further, it shocks me that when a student completed or passed an alternative to WASL, we use the language that he/she "passed the WASL." That's a lie. We should demand to know the real numbers. We're the ones paying for it, don't we have a right to know? "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:45 AM:

" I do so love the comments section. It's good to just get it all out instead of bottling it up all day. :) "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:09 AM:

" Today at 10am, Terry Bergeson will be giving the official update on the class of 2008. Some portions of the report have been given to Seattle Times and PI. Here's the spin so far: Here is the spin so far:
- Over 90% have passed Reading and Writing (no mention of what the numbers would be if math were still needed)
- Tragically, 1/3 of the class of 2008 do not have enough credits to graduate or credits in the right subject areas
- There are 14,000 fewer students in the class of 2008 due to students who dropped out, transferred out of state, or were reclassified
- The WASL was a success (that's spin at its finest)
- The trainwreck didn't happen. "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:21 AM:

" Regarding the last sentence of the editorial. WASL does not demand higher educational standards. It demands that every single student think in exactly the same way, draw their clusters precisely as shown, and remember everything they learned on all the WASL drills, prep, practice, etc. We should demand our children start receiving a real education...not WASL training. This assessment was NOT a success. The incomplete truth being reported is not going to calm any anxious lawmakers. They know the truth. Isn't it time we knew the truth? "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Terry Bergeson is going to attempt to convince the state the predicted WASL train wreck didn't happen. But is because the test itself is good? Is it because teachers studied the state EALRs (which the WASL is directly based on) and began teaching what Bergeson says they should have been teaching all along? Is it because the test is easier than originally reported? No, no, and no. Many students who "passed" didn't really "pass." They simply took other tests in place of the WASL. They assembled crazy "best works" binders *in place of* WASL . They had their grades compared to other kids who DID pass the WASL. They practiced and prepped retired WASL questions until they were blue in the face. We must ask ourselves: Is this a good education? Are we to believe that WASL is working based on the numbers we're reading about in the local paper, and later today...from Bergeson herself? Yesterday when she visited the Seattle PI editorial board, she called the outcome of WASL, "a miracle." When you force something to happen by continually changing it, reshaping it, creating your own positive numbers by eliminating thousands of students from the count, that's not a miracle. That's an atrocity. I'm interested in how TDN will report her silly little speech. If today's editorial is any prediction, I'm expecting more spin. Geez, guys...I'm getting dizzy. "

stink wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:52 AM:

" I believe the term "pass the WASL" is only used by the media. The term in education is "met standard", which is totally different. "

duckguy wrote on Jun 3, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Wow, me thinks Ella Mentry needs a good stiff drink. Please don't drive with all that rage bottled up inside. "

Kalama Dude wrote on Jun 3, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Let's not forget those kids that dropped out versus having the state more formally label them a failure than ever before. This fuzzy math is similar to the government not counting an unemployed worker just because they are no longer eligible or claiming unemployment payments. A handful of students who formally won't graduate means nothing when compared to the hundreds who didn't even get that far. The WASL is simply bad business for this state and our kids, and it seems very odd that those persons entrusted to educating our kids to the standard of the test agree nearly 100% completely. That is not a ringing endorsement or something to be proud of. That having been said, good job to the Kalama class of 2008 that apparently succeeded at a level higher than those communities surrounding us. We always knew things were different here in Kalama right? "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:15 PM:

" I probably do need a stiff drink, but voicing my opinion is better than having my kids come home from school to find mommy standing on the table singing "Henry the Eighth." That aside, I agree with Kalama dude. The dropout rate has sharply increased, which is, of course, great for the state because they don't have to include those numbers in their "success." Today Terry Bergeson said, "This is an outstanding victory for our children," Bergeson said. "This is the best-prepared class that we have ever graduated in Washington state." Perhaps it's the best WASL prepared class to ever graduate? Let's talk to the college math teachers next year to see if her statement is true or not. Remember, since the inception of WASL, the number of remedial math classes in college has skyrocketed. These kids aren't better prepared. They just know how to take, and pass, one test. "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:27 PM:

" To Stink: I have a transcription of what Terry Bergeson (the top dog) said today in Renton. She repeatedly used the term "passed the WASL." They used to say, "pass the WASL, or complete on of the alternative assessment options," but now...you don't hear that anymore. To them, if you took an SAT and scored at or above the pre-set number, you "passed" the WASL! I tried to have my son skip the WASL and go right to the SAT, but they wouldn't allow it. The rules say you have to "sit for and generate a failing score at least one time," in order to pursue other options. I said, "Well you obviously think the SAT is an acceptable substitute for WASL, so we would like the SAT please." For the record, my kids don't take, nor will they ever take, the WASL. It WOULD be nice if the media told the public how many students "really" passed the WASL, and how many merely completed an option to the WASL. THAT would be eye opening...and cause us to stop and think. "Hmmm...Why are we spending $114 million per YEAR on WASL when so many kids are failing it and taking other tests in place of it?" Am I crazy, or is that a valid question? "

An observer wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:34 PM:

" Who wrote this article,Dr. TB herself it sounds like someone is patting themselves on the back. Folks wake up!!!The WASL is an invalid measure of student progress. It better measures the indoctrination of a whole bunch of kids and it cost us and will continue to cost us millions! Fire the good Dr. and her band of merry elf's and let teachers get back to educating the students.

P.S. We should also fire ever administrator the agrees with the Dr.! "

stink wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:59 PM:

" I'm not sure why you are so set against any alternatives to the WASL? The COE is scored by people at the state level and takes a student much more time and effort than the WASL test to complete. I wouldn't knock the kids who use an alternative method to show they have reached the state standard. I applaude the students who stick to it and meet standard and do not put them down as others would just because they may be poor test takers. "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 2:32 PM:

" I want to know who wrote it, also. The last sentence, "Parents and policy makers can best support them by continuing to support the higher educational standard WASL demands," caused the bile to rise in my throat. "

Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 3, 2008 6:01 PM:

" Stink, alternatives are awesome and kudos to the legislature for demanding them (Terry Bergeson practically turned red trying to fight it). The cost of the WASL itself is $114 million per year...for a test that a large percentage of kids can't pass. The "options" are also costly. You have to take and fail the WASL before you can do an alternative assessment. My point is: it's a waste of money. We need a better test (and I would still like to see options for those who are poor test takers). A cheaper test that is more reliable. They are out there. Right now, the publishing company who produces and scores the WASL is laughing all the way to the bank. Instead of having a test that is depleting the budget, how about we simply have a cheaper test and make the graduation requirement, "Pass the test OR obtain a certain score on the SAT or AP, OR compile a Collection of Evidence." Make it the student's CHOICE...not waste precious resources by forcing them to fail the test again and again, THEN let them pursue costly options. It's a total waste of money, time, and resources. So I'm not opposed to the options. I'm opposed to $114 million dollars per year for a test that doesn't work for everyone, then spending even more money for other assessments. It's crazy. "

Viewpoint wrote on Jun 3, 2008 7:59 PM:

" In contrast to the vast resources consumed by WASL, the two year one-time grants for dropout prevention, Building Bridges, is allotted only $2 million for 15 grants out of 35 applicants. "

IWCJ wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:18 PM:

" Building Bridges is a cool program. I had no idea it was so little funded. Terry Bergeson said today that she was going to give more attention to addressing the dropout rate. Perhaps funding will increase? "

redraider2x wrote on Jun 4, 2008 2:22 PM:

" Remember, folks, that graduating seniors have been taking the 10th grade WASL since the 10th grade. It's not as if repeated attempts post-failure prepare one for the real world: http://www.libertylive.org/blog_main/post.php?post_id=590 "

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