National standards should be followed

Although I believe that student achievement should be measured with standardized tests, I am puzzled regarding the use of a test in 10th grade to determine if a student meets graduation requirements at the end of 12th grade. If the intent is to determine whether a student meets minimum graduation requirements, the test should be given in the senior year. Anything earlier could discourage students from completing the final two years of high school.

I am equally puzzled by the objection to removing Washington Assessment of Student Learning scores and passing methods from student transcripts. Though the elimination of the scores could reduce the competition for a high score among the brightest students, the stated purpose of the test is to ensure that minimum standards are met. Whether the student graduated or not would indicate whether the testing standards were met.

What additional value is there in maintaining scores beyond the basic “pass/fail?” If it is somehow to be used for college admissions, then how is this score compared to students from other states, or by colleges in other states? Wouldn’t it be better to keep track of test scores of standardized tests that are administered nationally? Like, for instance, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills or the Scholastic Aptitude Test.

Dan Larson

Everett