And from reading this story in the Washington Post, the educational and state leaders there seem determined to make it stick for the class of 2009.

Instead of three tests, this state is looking at four-Algebra, Biology, English and government to get their degree. And some of these counties in the state are seeing only about 45 percent pass these tests. Yet they are still pushing forward. I hope they stick to it.

There are some interesting programs they have that I think we should look at. such as this one, described by Carol Blum, Montgomery County's director of high school instruction:

Blum was particularly proud of the county's Web site, which allows students to study for the HSAs on their own. The site features a database of test questions, answers and explanations. Students can print out a summary report after they've responded to 10 questions that show whether they are mastering the content. The report can be forwarded to a teacher, who can target the areas that need extra instruction.

The state also has a ninth grade summer camp for students to study for these tests and a serious look at the middle schools that feed into the high schools. I say again, high school is too late, you really need to look a grade or two down to catch the problems we are seeing on the WASL now.

Speaking of which, we've recently received flak over the Partnership's radio ads over saying that the WASL tests for basic skills, even 8th grade skills. Well, I'm sorry, but that's true.

Maryland officials admit this (testing for 8th and 9th grade skills) in the article

And so does the WASL, esp. in math. I think it tests up through Alg 1, and please correct me if I'm wrong.

I don't like it either. I think the test should be harder, esp. when my daughter comes home, like she did last night and say that the WASL is boring and easy. (She'll be taking the 7th grade WASL in a few weeks, so we'll see what she says then). And none of us should kid ourselves and think that the WASL is an indicator of being college/work ready. It's a start, but we need a tougher 11th grade test to really hit the college/work ready level.

As for the lawmakers debating the WASL in Olympia, please get a spine and keep the reading and writing WASLs in place.