Success of the Class of 2008 shows education reform working
By the Editorial Board
Many saw the Washington Assessment of Student Learning that been hovering over the Class of 2008 as a dark cloud. And they expected a storm of controversy this year as this class is the first to have WASL scores considered as a requirement for graduation.
Well, for the most part, graduation day has come and gone around Washington state. It is relatively quiet.
State education officials reported late last week that 91.4 percent of high school seniors have passed both the reading and writing portions of the WASL or an approved alternative. Those who have not met the requirement still have two more chances this summer — either submitting a “collection of evidence” showing the student did learn the required material or a retake of the WASL.
High school principals throughout the state have said they expect this year’s graduation rate to hold steady and only a few students are scrambling to satisfy the WASL requirement.
We see that as a terrific sign that the state’s efforts to improve education by mandating tougher standards are working.
The task, of course, is far from complete. The Legislature this year removed the math section of the WASL for a variety of reasons, one of which was that a great many students — about 40 percent — didn’t pass that part of the test.
The state education officials, with approval of the Legislature, are revamping the way math is taught and will put in place tests to measure student success.
We are optimistic that when all the pieces are in place that our students will be challenged — and given the opportunity to succeed. This, however, will occur only if the Legislature stays the course on education reform.
Many people — including teachers, school administrators and parents — are frustrated with the use of the WASL because they believe the test is given too much focus and class time. This results in students not having a well-rounded education.
We don’t necessarily agree. There is time enough to focus on the basics being required for the WASL and to allow students to explore other areas.
Having a solid foundation in the basics of reading, writing and math is critical to overall success.
The high expectations put on the Class of 2008 when education reform was enacted have essentially been met. As the bar is raised higher in the coming years, we expect future classes will meet those expectations.
Our children should never be underestimated. When we expect great things of them, when we hold them to high standards, they usually deliver.
The Class of 2008 did.
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