Washington Assessment of Student Learning - Grades 6, 7 and 8
March Newsletter

As you know, our students are working hard to master core skills like reading, writing, critical thinking and reasoning. Soon, students will take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to check their progress. Sixth grade students are assessed in reading and mathematics. Seventh grade students are assessed in reading, writing and mathematics. Eighth grade students take reading, math, and science assessments. This state-mandated testing will occur between April 14 and May 2, 2008.

 

Like other formal assessments, classroom tests, homework, and grades, the WASL is another tool for evaluating student learning. The WASL is aligned to state standards taught by teachers in our school. Each standard represents what students should know and be able to do at a particular grade level. The WASL uses students' responses to multiple-choice questions, short-answer and essay questions to measure students' ability to show what they know and can do in essential areas of study. Results of this year's WASL will be available to parents in the fall.

 

Students are not required to meet grade level standards on the middle school WASLs, but it is important they do their best to give parents and teachers an accurate check on their progress. Parents can do a great deal to make certain their children are prepared to take the WASL. This includes asking if your child understands the purpose of this assessment and making sure they come to school well rested and have a good breakfast.

 

Please contact the school if you would like to know the exact dates and times of our WASL

testing [ or include a copy of your school's testing schedule ]. If you have

additional questions about the WASL, its scoring, or the administration of t his exam,

you may find State Testing 2008: What You Need to Know, available at www.k12.wa.us/Resources/pubdocs/State_Testing_2008.pdf, useful at this time.

Feel free to contact ______________ for information about this guide to our state's student assessment.