Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 28, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on WASL Scores and ‘No Child Left Behind’ Data

Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on the release of the 2003 Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) scores and data from the new federal “No Child Left Behind” law.

On the 2003 WASL scores:

“I am very pleased with the progress Washington students are making on the WASL. Today’s released scores show that our students are making steady, consistent improvement in reading, math and writing. I congratulate students, teachers, principals, parents and school district staff for their excellent work.

I am especially pleased that:
· At all three grade levels assessed, there were gains in reading, writing and math. As a system, we are making education reform successful.
· Students educated in Washington schools with our tough standards from fourth grade to tenth grade are more likely to meet the tenth grade standards. Washington educated students have at least a 10 percentage point advantage over the rest of the nation. Attending Washington schools makes a difference.
· The results for seventh grade (middle school) students are very encouraging. We are making significant gains in all subject areas.
· While significant achievement gaps continue, the progress of our students in many racial and ethnic groups is notable. We will continue to build on this progress.
· Schools participating in our state school improvement program are showing improvement. State support has made a difference for these schools as they continue to improve.

“Washington state is a national model with a tradition of setting high achievement standards for students and continuous school improvement. Our assessment is widely viewed as one of the best in the country. We know we’re on the right track.

“But there is more to be done. We have a significant achievement gap in our schools, and that’s unacceptable. I believe that all students – regardless of where they live, how much money their family makes or what language they speak – can meet our state’s standards.

“Superintendent Terry Bergeson and I are committed to making sure every Washington student meets or exceeds our state’s tough new academic standards. We must continue to work together to give our children the education they deserve and need to succeed.”

On No Child Left Behind:

“Washington has made great gains in education reform, and No Child Left Behind is an extension of our efforts. We will use the accountability provisions to further illuminate our progress and help us continue our reform efforts.

“In the first year of this new, complicated federal accountability system, I am optimistic about our 70 percent success level, meeting the goals in 78 of 111 categories. There are many criteria used to determine whether a school, a school district, or the state of Washington has made ‘adequate yearly progress.’ We will move ahead with the data we now have and improve upon that percentage.

“I encourage parents to talk with their students’ teachers and principals to learn about progress at your school and in your school district.

“While we support the goal of No Child Left Behind, we have concerns about some of the calculations and assumptions involved. We will be working with Superintendent Bergeson and our congressional delegation to make improvements. I will also be working to acquire the promised federal resources to support No Child Left Behind. The federal government has made a commitment. I intend to see that they fulfill that commitment.

“We will continue to focus on and work with the schools that need the most attention, and make sure that our education system is one in which all children are achievers.”


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Editor’s Note: For more information about the WASL or No Child Left Behind, visit www.k12.wa.us.

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