R.I.P. WASL

Randy Dorn, Superintendent of Public Instruction, is on KIRO radio today talking with Dave Ross about the new testing that will take the place of the WASL. If you missed it and want to hear what he has to say, go to KIRO here and download the 2nd hour of the Dave Ross show from today (Jan 22).

There will now be two different tests: grades 3 - 8 will take the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) test and High School students will take the High School Proficiency Exams (HSPE). The MSP test will be offered in the Fall and Spring, will take less time, and will be offered on the computer allowing for quicker results that the teachers will be able to use to assist them in preparing curriculum. Passing the HSPE will still be a requirement for graduation. The plan is that this test will require less time away from learning, currently during the WASL testing physical education, music, art and any other "elective" subject is stopped to allow for the WASL testing. According to what Superintendent Dorn was saying on the radio this will not be the case during these new tests, the testing will not require the time commitment and students will still be able to have all subjects during testing periods. I am pleased with this decision for two reasons, I think that these extra subjects are good for kids and it seems to me that it will be using resources better - if the gym teacher doesn't have kids to teach what do they do for the week?

Over all, it sounds like a good plan. But I need to find out more about it before I can say for absolute certain.