Gov. Gregoire statement on state's WASL scores

For Immediate Release: August 31, 2005

OLYMPIA - AUG. 31, 2005 - Gov. Gregoire today released the following statement on the state�s improving WASL scores.

�I�m pleased to see the results of the WASL scores released today. They represent hard work on the part of our students, teachers and parents. These scores indicate that more of our students are prepared to be successful as they advance in their education and their lives.

�I especially congratulate middle schools and high schools for the significant improvements they have made.

�I�m also encouraged by the improvements in closing the achievement gap. We still have much work to do to assist our student groups that on average perform at lower levels than the general population. However, the growth of accomplishments in these groups indicates we�re moving in the right direction.

�With the implementation of alternative assessments, additional learning time, WASL retakes and specially developed curriculum, our students will be provided more options for learning skills and demonstrating mastery of our state�s basic educational standards. For the sake of our students and the future of our state, we must continue our efforts to make every student a successful student.�

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