What’s the WASL?

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning is a statewide test that measures how well students know and can apply state learning requirements in reading, writing, math and science. Some questions are multiple choice; many require written explanations.

Students take various combinations of the test sections depending on their grade level.

How are WASL results reported?

The results are the percentage of students in each tested grade who earned a high enough score to meet the state standard in, or pass, that WASL subject.

Why include free and reduced-price lunch rates in the charts?

It’s a common measurement of poverty: Children must come from low-income families to qualify for the federally subsidized lunch program.

Research links poverty with lower student achievement. Including the percentage allows readers to make comparisons among schools with similar demographics.

Are there consequences for individual students if they pass or fail the WASL?

This is the second year that seniors must pass certain WASL subjects or alternatives to the WASL as one of their state graduation requirements. A few scholarships are available to graduates who do well on the exam.

In addition, many schools require students to receive extra reading, writing or math instruction if they fail one of those WASL sections, which means middle and high school students might lose an elective they had hoped to take.

When will students receive their scores?

Current juniors and seniors received their reading, writing and math results in June. They, along with other high school students, should receive scores for science, if they took that test, and other score information soon from their school district. Students in other grades who took the test last spring should also get individualized WASL score reports soon.

The timing and method of distribution is up to school districts, which should receive the reports at the end of this week.

May parents and students see their test booklets?

Starting Sept. 1, parents can request to see their child’s WASL test booklet in any tested grade. But they’ve got to act fast: Parents must file the request within 30 days of receiving their student’s score report. Scores for high school assessments required for graduation may be appealed.

Get the request form from www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StudentRecordRequest.aspx or call the state superintendent’s office at 360-725-6348. Students cannot see the test. How do the state and federal governments use WASL scores?

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the goal is for ever-higher percentages of students to demonstrate proficiency on their state’s reading and math tests until the year 2014, when 100 percent of all students should pass.

Are there consequences for schools that don’t meet testing and other achievement goals?

Only if schools receive funding from the federal Title I program, which provides additional money for schools with high rates of low-income students.

Under a series of escalating sanctions, schools can be required to offer district-paid transportation to students who want to attend another school in the same district, offer district-paid tutoring after school, or change curriculum, school leadership and teachers.

For more information:

Go to the state Superintendent of Public Instruction Web site at www.k12.wa.us and ask your school teachers, principal and counselor.

Debby Abe: 253-597-8694