Passing math classes could sub for WASL under new proposal

Current high-school students can pass math classes as an alternative to the math section of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, under a joint proposal by Gov. Christine Gregoire and state schools Superintendent Terry Bergeson.

Passing three sections of the WASL, including math, became a graduation requirement starting with this year's high-school juniors, the class of 2008. Gregoire and Bergeson announced today they will propose to the Legislature a temporary suspension for the classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Those who don't pass the math section of the WASL would have to take rigorous math classes and take the WASL annually.

Little more than half — 51 percent — of the state's sophomores passed the math WASL last spring. Lagging math scores have been a concern among educators, business people and civic leaders, and there has been much debate about how to improve math performance. The state Board of Education this week is scheduled to take up the issue of a standardized math curriculum.

Though Bergeson thus far has remained committed to maintaining the WASL as a graduation requirement, this morning's announcement indicates a shift in her approach.

"We have a comprehensive plan to improve math teaching and learning in our schools," Bergeson said. "Teachers, students, parents and government leaders must all share responsibility for making education work and assuring that Washington has a workforce that can compete."

Gregoire said the proposal shows that state officials are listening to the concerns of students and parents. "Students who graduate high school without meeting competitive standards show up in remedial math courses in our colleges and universities and we end up paying for math education twice," she said. "We owe it to these students to prepare them before they graduate high school."