Governor Gregoire Commends Students on Meeting Graduation Requirements and Preparing for College

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2007

Governor proud of Washington students� hard work; determined to help all students complete graduation requirements

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today responded to the annual release of test scores on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL):

�Congratulations to the Washington students who have taken a significant step toward graduation by passing the WASL test requirement. Congratulations as well to the parents and loved ones of these students, who have supported them throughout their school careers. As a mom, I know that high school graduation is a major milestone, not just for the students but for the adults in their lives as well, so passing the WASL is a big step forward.

�We know there are students in Washington who can still benefit from individualized help. We need to gather information on who these students are and how best to assist them as they work toward fulfilling all of their graduation requirements.�

Washington Students Taking More Rigorous Courses to Prepare for College

�I am proud of our students who are taking courses that are more rigorous and are preparing themselves for college and careers beyond high schools,� said Governor Gregoire.

For the fifth consecutive year, Washington seniors have received the highest average SAT scores among states in which a majority of eligible students take the test. They also score well above the national average and nearly 500 more Washington students participated this year than last year.

Many Washington schools last week were informed they did not meet the adequate yearly progress requirement of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Governor Gregoire continues to work with Democrats and Republicans at the National Governors Association to fight for changes to NCLB.

�I am pleased that our students are, overall, doing well on the WASL. However, in Washington, we understand that there is more to improved student learning and accountability than an annual snap shot of test scores,� said Governor Gregoire. �It�s clear that the Bush administration just doesn�t get it.�

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