Increases continue in writing, science

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students continue to perform well on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), according to the preliminary 2008 test score results announced by the Office for the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Scores were significantly higher than state averages in every grade and subject tested.

The district continues to shine in writing and science. All three grades tested in science showed gains. All three grades tested were higher than last year’s writing scores. Math scores were mixed and reading scores were mixed.

“I’m proud of the work our staff and students have done, particularly in the areas of writing and science,” noted Supt. Chip Kimball. “We have significant numbers of students who are at or above the WASL standard in all subject areas.”

The class of 2009 is well on its way to meeting the WASL graduation requirement, Kimball said. Just over 90 percent (90.3) have passed both the reading and writing portions of the WASL. Those students need only continue to pass a math course and take a math assessment (WASL, SAT, ACT) in order to graduate. Close to 80 percent (79.2 percent) have already passed the math WASL.

The class of 2010, just beginning their junior year, is also on track.

“I expect that the motivated members of the class of 2010 will graduate,” Kimball said. “Our schools are prepared to provide the support they may need.”