Frequently asked WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) questions:

When will my child take the WASL?
All 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th graders in Washington State Public Schools take some combination of reading, writing, math, and science WASLs each spring.

What does WASL cost?

Each section of the WASL costs state taxpayers $18. So, the four section, 10th grade WASL costs $72 per student. Many “hidden” costs exist, however. It has recently been calculated that the cost to the state and districts equals $60 million a year.

Do most students pass the WASL?
No, last year 58% of all 10th graders who took the WASL failed to “meet the standard” on at least one section of the test. Scores for students in other grades were equally grim for most districts.

Isn’t WASL just a standardized test like we took when we were in school?
No, WASL is a new form of test requiring both short and long

answers. It tests children on what they know and also how they think.Research shows that WASL is not appropriate to the developmental level of the children it tests. Another difference is that WASL is a high-stakes test.

What is a high-stakes test?
A high-stakes test is one that measures how well a school and its students are performing and uses the scores to make important decisions, such as whether a school receives money or whether a student is allowed to take elective classes, advance to the next grade level, graduate, or attend college.

What is wrong with using a test for high-stakes?
Using a student’s score on one test to determine graduation or class placement is a harmful and unfair practice. The technical report on WASL itself states, “Scores from one test given on a single occasion should never be used to make important decisions about students' placement, the type of instruction they receive, or retention in a given grade level in school.”

Does my child have to take the WASL?
Current law requires schools to give the test to every student. However, parents have the legal right to opt their children out of WASL, and schools will provide alternative activities during testing. Current law also requires students, beginning with the class of 2008, to pass the 10th grade WASL in order to receive a Certificate of Academic Achievement and diploma. (See PEN pamphlet, “10th Grade WASL– What Every Parent Needs to Know.”)

I have a child with special needs. Does my child have to take the WASL?
Schools administer the WASL to virtually every child. If parents do not want their child with special needs to be tested, they must address an opt out letter to their district and school.

My child does fine on tests. Why should I opt him/her out?

WASL has taken over our schools. All students are being cheated of a well-rounded education, because teachers are being forced to “teach to the test” in order to raise test score averages. Programs for highly capable students have been cut as have vocational programs and the arts. It is time for all parents to stand together against WASL’s harmful effects on our schools and our students.

Are there other reasons to opt my child out of WASL?

WASL is a subjective test, which can cause many problems in scoring. The state has denied parents the right to see the WASL for eight years. Now, the federal law that allows parents to see the tests is finally being recognized by the state. However, tests from 2003 and before have been destroyed. The state plans to destroy 2004 and 2005 tests soon. This will give parents and students no right to question the scoring of WASL. Mistakes in scoring have been made by Washington’s testing company in other states.

How do I request that my child be excused from participating in WASL?
To opt your child out of WASL, simply write a letter to your district superintendent and your child’s principal or fill out the form below and turn it in to your child’s principal and district superintendent. A follow-up call to your child’s school is a good idea, also.If you encounter problems or have questions, please contact Parent Empowerment Network for assistance.

To: ______(principal)

Please excuse ______(student)from participation in 2006 WASL testing. I do not want any record of WASL testing in my child’s educational record.

I understand that Washington State law requires my child’s school attendance and that the school will provide appropriate alternative activities during WASL testing.

Signature: ______

Date: ______

I have retained a copy of this form for my record.

Juanita Doyon, Director 253-973-1593