Parents don’t have to let kids take it

I was amazed by how many parents let their children take the WASL test simply because the state told them to. Perhaps they didn’t know they had a choice. I’m sure they didn’t know that the WASL is ranked as one of the least reliable and poorly implemented tests in the nation! It will most likely label kids as “failures.”

By allowing your child to take the WASL you are making a statement that you agree with “high-stakes” testing. That you agree one test can capture your child’s intellect. And that you are OK with schools spending millions on the WASL while other programs and classroom necessities are under-funded or cut .

I believe my child’s teacher can give me an accurate and insightful assessment of my child’s abilities. They know my child and see things that a test can’t possibly measure.

So next year, please make an informed choice about letting your child participate or not. Opting out is your right and it’s easy to do.

KATHY STORKERSEN

Edmonds