WASL Changes Proposed by the Govenor

Today Governor Gregoire released her supplemental budget recommendations for the 2008 legislative session. Of interest to principals is the policy level changes related to the WASL.

There is over $1.6 million for translation assistance for six of the most frequently occurring languages for math and science assessments. Enhanced accommodations for students in special education will be developed, such as improved Braille forms of the test and read-aloud CDs for students with dyslexia. The earliest these new services would be available would be 2009. All students will still take the reading and writing WASL exams in English.

At grades 3, 5, 6 and 8 the WASL exams would be shorted in reading, writing and math so that they could be completed in two days rather than three. In addition OSPI would be asked to develop tests that teachers can use in their classrooms to identify student learning needs. These test will give more immediate and targeted information to teachers anytime during the school year.

No funds are included in the supplemental budget for test administration expenses but I believe that topic will be addressed prior to 2009 when the tests in math and science exams could be available in six additional languages.

Proposed 2008 budget and policy highlights along with recommendation summaries are available here.