Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 7, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke says test scores show steady progress, more work to do

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke issued the following statement today upon reviewing the latest test results under the Washington Assessment of Student Learning program:

"Washington's students, teachers and parents are proving once again that they can rise to meet the challenge of our tough education standards," said Locke, who has made education his top priority as governor. "Their hard work and continuing success should give us confidence that Washington's education reforms will succeed if we stay the course.

"It is encouraging to see gains among fourth graders in reading and math for the second year in a row," Locke continued. "There were also gains among seventh graders in reading, math and listening. But there is much work left to do if we are to make Washington's schools the best in the nation. That's why I have made reducing class size and improving the quality of teaching in every classroom top priorities, and why we must all work to make sure no student is left behind."

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