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CURRICULUM CORNER WASL Scores Show Improvement |
Curriculum Corner
Trina Hall, Curriculum Director
September, 2003
The WASL test scores were recently released and in Mt. Baker School District we are pleased with the results. Fourth and 7th grade WASL scores showed increases in reading, writing, and math as compared to the 2002 results, and our 10th grade students scored higher than the state average in those same three areas. In addition, our 10th grade ranked first among Whatcom County districts for the number of students meeting the standard in writing, second for reading, and third for math.
The WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) is a statewide test that is administered to all 4th, 7th, and 10th graders each spring to measure their proficiency in the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs). Students are assessed in reading, writing, math, and listening. Last spring students were also tested in science at grades five, seven, and ten; those results have not been released yet and are expected in late September. The WASL tests require students to complete short answer questions, compare and contrast information, draft short essays, and answer multiple-choice questions.
This is the seventh year of the WASL at 4th grade, the sixth year at 7th grade, and the fifth year that 10th graders have participated. Our general trends over that period of time show improvements in most areas as we continue to increase the number of students meeting the state standards. One example of this growth is our 7th grade writing results, where 27.5% of the students met the writing standard in 1998 and 59.3% met this same standard last spring. This type of continuous improvement over time is what we are looking for in our WASL results. Significant gains are seen in 4th and 7th grade math and writing, as well as 10th grade writing. Reading scores show mixed results and confirm our decision to focus on reading achievement for all of our students, grades pre-K through twelve.
The Class of 2008, this year’s 8th graders, will be the first class that is required to pass the WASL in order to graduate from high school. These students took the 7th grade WASL last spring and will take the 10th grade WASL in the spring of 2006.
As we set district and school improvement goals we focus on how to best support all of our students’ learning and ability to apply their knowledge of the state learning requirements so they can be successful on the WASL, and more importantly, successful in life! Our School Board and Superintendent are aware of MBSD accomplishments related to WASL, as well as specific areas for needed improvements. They, along with principals, are working diligently to focus our district’s efforts toward student achievement, particularly in reading. We are proud of our 2003 WASL results and we strive for continuous improvement as we look toward the future!
