February 21, 2001

BULLETIN NO. 18-01 LEARNING AND TEACHING SUPPORT

TO:  ESD Superintendents
        School District Superintendents
        Private School Administrators
        Washington Homeschool Organization
        Family Learning Organization


FROM: Dr. Terry Bergeson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

RE: Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) Test Availability to Private School and Home-Based Students

Each year, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction works in collaboration with Riverside Publishing and National Computer Systems (NCS) to provide the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to fourth, seventh, and tenth grade students in the state of Washington. This performance-based assessment includes reading, writing, listening, and mathematics, and is based upon Washington's Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

While public schools routinely administer the WASL to enrolled students, it should be noted that public schools must also make the test available upon request to private school students as well as students receiving home-based instruction. Washington State law exempts private school and home-based students from mandatory participation in the WASL, therefore, participation by private school and home-based students should be viewed as strictly voluntary.

Private school and/or home-based students wishing to participate in the WASL may access the test via their local school district as an ancillary service. Students requesting access to the WASL as an ancillary service should expect to have the assessment administered within the same timeframe as enrolled students. Test scores for these students will be held separately from the public school scores.

Questions related to home-based instruction should be directed to Kristen Smith, Program Supervisor, Learning and Teaching Support, at (360) 725-6433 and questions regarding Private Education should be directed to Joan lyall, Private Education Coordinator, at (360) 753-2562. If you have questions regarding the administration of the WASL, please contact Bob Silverman, Assessment Specialist, at (360) 664-0655.

The agency TTY number is (360) 664-3631. This bulletin is available on the agency web site at the following URL: http://www.k12.wa.us/bulletinsmemos/bulletins2001/default.asp.

OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT

Thomas J. Kelly
Associate Superintendent

Marcia L. Riggers, Coordinating Director
Learning and Teaching Support

Kristen Smith, Program Supervisor
Home-Based Education

TB:MD:sv

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