Our WASL scores are up. This is supposed to be cause for celebration (if not cork-popping or confetti-throwing, at least high-fiving). Before we praise teachers for their increased effectiveness, let's consider some mitigating factors (not mentioned in the article, I notice):
1. The WASL score, for the first time, went on the transcript, even though it won't count toward graduation until 2008. "Colleges or future employers will see it," some teachers threatened. This may have spurred some to actually try.
2. Counselors and administrators, at least at my school, busted their butts to make sure all students took the test. Last year 10% didn't; their scores counted as zeros. This year, only 1.6% missed out. This single factor alone may explain the increase.
3. Our ITED (9th-grade) test scores didn't rise at all--unsurprisingly, since the test doesn't "count" toward anything. Students aren't necessarily getting smarter; they're simply becoming more familiar with the structure of the WASL (which is standards-based, rather than judged against a "norm group").
4. There's no mention of dropout rates. Who cares what our WASL scores are, if we're losing students?
From a student's eye perspective, the threat of "required for graduation!" and "employers! colleges! boogeymen!" does rally the troops, in a weary, exhausted fashion. Comparable to Alexander's troops going into India. Or leaving. Both are apt! APT!
ReplyDeleteThat and the test is getting more sensible. The horror stories for some of the old version tests...not fun for anyone.
But at least is secure-ish for a year. Whoo. That's all I need!