WASL: High-stakes test under fire

A push is expected this session to dump the state's standardized test as the main graduation requirement for high-school students. This year's 10th-grade class is the first required by state law to pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to graduate by 2008.

Although there's no serious talk of getting rid of the test, the Washington Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, wants lawmakers to drop the WASL as the main graduation requirement and put more weight on a student's grade-point average.

The group argues that such a high-stakes test could lead to increased dropout rates and a decline in academic achievement.

The Washington Roundtable, a business group that includes Boeing and Microsoft, wants to keep the WASL as a graduation requirement and allow students to take an alternative assessment only if they fail the test twice. The Roundtable contends students need the skills the WASL measures to succeed in today's economy.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson also is urging lawmakers to keep the WASL requirement.

Key legislators on education

Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon: chairman of the House Education Committee.
(360) 786-7800 or www1.leg.wa.gov/house/quall

Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Seattle: chairwoman of the Senate Early Learning, K-12 and Higher Education Committee.
(360) 786-7600 or www1.leg.wa.gov/senate/mcauliffe

Key interest groups

Washington Education Association: (253) 941-6700,www.washingtonea.org

Washington Roundtable: (206) 623-0180, www.waroundtable.com

Washington State Parent Teacher Association: (253) 565-2153, www.wastatepta.org