The WASL: Scrapped and Streamlined

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Story Published: Jun 11, 2009 at 6:23 PM PDT

By Chelsea Kopta

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TRI CITIES -- A test despised by a whole generation will be scrapped and streamlined. The state superintendent announced the newest details Thursday on the highly-touted replacement to the WASL.

But before we revealed the new details, Action News dug into its archives and found one reminder of why local teachers lobbied so hard to get rid of the assessment test.

The story was reported four years ago. Instead of students, teachers took the WASL (the Washington Assessment of Student Learning). One passed, but two failed. A clear example to many why the WASL didn't work.

"The old test was huge, bulky and like a cargo ship running down the ocean lanes, this new test is like a speedboat," Richland School Board President Rick Jansons.

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Randy Dorn said his new tests, called the Measures of Student Progress (MSP) and High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE), both get the same job done just in less time.

"We fought hard to change the WASL into something cheaper, faster and better for kids and parents and this is a good first step in that direction," Jansons said.

Starting next year, tests will be cut from two to one session, tests times will be cut in half, and they'll be completed online.

"When we get the results more quickly then that's a benefit, but until we really see the test and have some experience with it, it's hard to tell if it's better than the old WASL," Dr. Dennis McGuire said, Assistant Superintendent of Pasco School District.

McGuire is holding out on the holy grail of testing until he sees the new versions for himself. But with lawmakers already stacking money in the bank, he's hopeful the new test will deliver what it promises.

"I think the ball is rolling in the direction there will be a new "WASL."

Keep in mind, replacing the WASL does not eliminate high school graduation requirements. Students still have to pass a reading, writing and math test.

OSPI will release final details about the test next week, including what grade levels will be able to take the test online. Budget cuts mean not all schools will be ready to take it online making it voluntary for online testing for elementary and middle schools for the next two years.

For a more in-depth look at some of the changes, check out these OSPI websites:

http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/WASL/default.aspx

http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/pressreleases2009/ReplacingtheWASL.aspx

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