I don't really know how to feel about the WASL. We need a standard to hold students (and schools) accountable to. Benchmark and standards type testing can be very beneficial as a motivational tool to get schools to do a better job of teaching- but the WASL is so problematic.
Reading and writing seem to be doing the trick. However, math and science are obviously struggling- with math being a candidate for boondoggle of the decade. Now the Tacoma News Tribune (http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/298283.html) has published a story on the run away costs of administering the test.
What really doesn't make sense is why we felt a need to go out and create a test in the first place. There are several tests out there that do a good job, are readily available and would have saved us a lot of time and money. At some point the "legislative-powers-that-be" need to stop spending our money on egocentric theories of education and realize that there are others out there who do it better.
The results of the WASL? Students who don't think they need to take the test seriously (partially a fault of the media who keeps predicting the downfall of the ability of the state to hold them accountable). Parents and a community who think Washington education is a joke. An inordinate amount of time spent preparing students for a faulty test system. And now- additional costs. Come on Olympia- We deserve better!
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About Me
- Dave Dooley
- Lakewood, Washington, United States
- Obviously, my number one activity right now is in campaigning for a State Representative position in the 28th District. I am an active member of the LDS church and currently work with the 14-15 year old young mens group. I am the Dean of Students at Lakes High School and work as the swimming coach for both the boy's and girl's teams. As the Dean I am in charge of attendance, 504 accommodations, and in academic intervention. I am also a water polo referee for the local high school league.
1 comment:
Let's get serious here.. HOW can we require kids pass a standardized test across the state when every school district and school is teaching a different type of math program?
If we seriously want to give them a standardized test then we must ensure that each teacher is teaching the same program, otherwise you can not give them the same test.
...and then to say OOPS you failed to learn (pass that stupid test) so you get a letter saying you went to schiool for 13 yrs, but no diploma for you!?!?! How many more drop-out students is this system creating?
((Obviously you can tell I am not a fan))
And to think this great WASL test gets most students out of real learning for usually 3-4 weeks of the year, so not only they can teach kids how to take the test, but then take it.... This is a joke, and a true diservice to the education that our kids should be getting.
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