Monday, February 18, 2008

WASL isn't law

http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/05/readers/doc47a8d5f15ba93196618581.txt

This article points out that, though opting out of WASL will not allow you to obtain the Certificate of Academic Achievement that is required for a diploma many colleges and universities don't even look at that. WAL isn't law to take, merely mandated for schools to put in place.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Math Curriculum Edits

http://www.tdn.com/articles/2008/02/04/area_news/10089096.txt

In response to low math test scores on the WASL, math educators convened to discuss revisions to both the math curriculum and the WASL. They plan to have more focus on understanding fewer concepts, making math vocabulary and concepts more natural by using them in more often in elective classes (such as art, P.E.) so they can make more connections to certain concepts. The length of the 3 - 8th grade WASL will be shortened, yet not for the tenth.

Essentially, the board negotiated to change the way in which children are taught - strengthening the need to teach around a test instead of life.