People are starting to ask good, hard questions about Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn’s proposals to replace the WASL.  Yesterday’s Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial, which warns that “taxpayers, employers and parents should watch for a crash that seriously injures educational quality,” raises a few of the same questions we’re having:

On Dorn’s proposal to delay math and science test-based graduation requirements:
“Substantively, we don't understand Dorn's idea that we need another delay in a state math test for high school graduation, to 2014. And he projects the baffling ambiguity of a 20th century high school principal about whether he even wants science testing for 21st century students to graduate high school.”

On the ability of a shorter test to provide meaningful diagnostic information to teachers:
“We like the sound of Dorn's plan to shorten testing and provide better diagnostic tools on where students need extra help. But common sense suggests that it is easier to get good feedback on students' performance with more test questions, not fewer.”

On Dorn’s “authority” to implement changes:
“Dorn needs to work carefully with not just the Legislature, but also the State Board of Education and Gov. Chris Gregoire.”  

(Note: This is not just sage public relations advice. State law requires OSPI to consult with the State Board of Education around any changes to the assessment system; lawmakers have the ability to review any changes, not to mention, they control the purse strings; the Governor holds veto power; and the US Department of Education reviews state tests to ensure they comply with the testing requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.)

We welcome efforts to improve our state assessment system.  We just need to make sure that change equals improvement, resulting in better opportunities and outcomes for every student.

As this conversation evolves, Washington state would be wise to take heed of other states who are already moving ahead to develop common standards and assessments that prepare all students to be ready for the demands of college and work, and to be counted among the world’s best and the brightest.  (Benchmarking for Success: Ensuring U.S. Students Receive a World-Class Education and Achieve’s America Diploma Project.)

For more information, read the complete P-I editorial.