Dorn responds to Bergeson's announcement on WASL outcomes

Dorn responds to Bergeson's announcement on WASL outcomes

SPI "celebration" shortsighted and off the mark

Auburn)-Randy Dorn, former educator and former Chair of the Washington House Education Committee, was critical of current Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson's press statement this morning about the failure rates by high school seniors on the Washington Assessment on Student Learning (WASL). He cited her isolation from public opinion of the WASL and her failure to recognize the real life impact on students and their families.

[More:]

"It is clear that the Superintendent is still not listening to educators and parents over their serious and valid concerns about the WASL," said Dorn. "She is standing alone in thinking these results and the state of the test is a success."

"If it were not for Governor Gregoire and the Legislature pulling us back from the edge of the precipice by removing the math test requirement for graduation this year more than 1 out of four kids would be denied their diplomas. Terry's failed leadership in the development of the test, including the math portion, demonstrates just how out of touch she is with the rest of us," said Dorn.

He noted that her own press release acknowledged that it has taken more than a decade to achieve even the modest passing rate. Further, the same release refers notes "...educators have spent so much time preparing students.." Dorn hit on those points as indicative of the problems with the WASL as designed by Bergeson.

"The WASL eats up 10% of classroom instruction time just to administer it. It does not give educators quick information that could lead to individualized learning plans and has been nationally criticized as being a poorly constructed test that drives curriculum rather than measuring its success," Dorn said.

Dorn noted that Washington's 30% dropout rate, which is about 10% above the national norm, could also be attributed to how intimidating the WASL is to many at-risk kids. Dorn said that the results released today prove that our schools and the structure and design of the WASL fail the students who are most at risk, those who have special learning needs and are from minorities and/or lower income families.

"She can't sugarcoat her failure to lift up those kids who we must help build confidence and skills to keep their lives on track for success and good citizenship. It is time for new leadership in our schools," said Dorn in closing.

Randy Dorn
For SPI. Leadership... for a Change
www.randydorn2008.com
June 3, 2008 Contact: Robert Harkins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 253-833-9253