WASL - What parents ought to know

WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning)

What parents ought to know:   When do students take the tests?

Third through eighth grade students will take two or three state tests annually.  High school students take four state tests in reading, writing, mathematics and science.  These tests are offered in the 10th grade, but ninth-grade students can take reading, writing and mathematics.  The table below, indicates tests given last spring.  Other symbols indicate future requirements.

Your child faces new requirements to graduate from high school!

But, he or she will have help in meeting them

In addition to completing required classes, senior projects and high school and beyond plans, students may earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement as well as a high school diploma beginning in 2008.  Though not required for a diploma until 2013, students earn the Academic Achievement Certificate by passing the reading, writing and mathematics sections of the high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), with or without accommodations.  They earn the Certificate of Individual Achievement  by passing the Washington Alternative Assessment System (WAAS) or some combination of WASL and WAAS.

Graduation might seem far off but it arrives sooner than you think.  The good news is your child is already preparing to meet the new requirements and every year schools will create personalized student learning plans for children who fall short in one or more subjects.  The plans explain what steps your school will take and what steps you can take to help your child improve.  Ask your childs teacher whether your child has a learning plan and what you can do to help.

In high school, more help is available.  Students have up to five tries to pass the WASL, and can bank their highest scores so they need only retake sections they havent passed.  Students who have the skills but need a different way to show them can complete an alternate assessment.  Some students enrolled in special education or English-language learner programs will have more options and flexibility.  And an appeals process is in place to handle specific student issues on a case-by-case basis.

What can parents do?

" Work with your childs teachers NOW if you or your child feel extra help is needed.

" Let your child know that a good education is important.  Get your child to school on time, rested, fed and ready to learn every day.

" Set aside a daily place and time for homework and check on progress.

" Encourage your student to read at home, and to share what they have learned with you.

" Help your child find opportunities to learn about different careers and what it takes to be successful.  Help your child see   the connection between what theyre learning in school and the real world.

" Have a good attitude about school & and about testing.  Be positive and reassuring.  Emphasize the importance of the test and encourage your child to do his/her best on the WASL.  Help will be there if your child needs it.