Peninsula: WASL scores bring mixed reaction

There was a mixed reaction as officials from across the North Olympic Peninsula began studying Washington Assessment of Student Learning results released Thursday.

Most Peninsula students improved their scores in math, reading and listening on the test given last spring.

Some schools and districts that saw improvement on the 2001-02 test lost ground in the most recent effort and some didn’t meet the state standards.

Scores were released by the State Superintendent of Instruction Terry Bergeson on Thursday afternoon.

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning, commonly known as the WASL, is the centerpiece of the state’s 1993 education reform law, aimed at raising the bar for Washington schools and students.

Fourth-graders, seventh-graders and 10th-graders take the test, which gauges students’ abilities in math, reading, writing and listening.

Other subjects, such as science, are being phased in over time.

All but three North Olympic Peninsula school districts fell below state standards for writing at all grade levels and in 10th-grade math. Many school districts improved scores from last year’s tests.

———————

The rest of the story appears in the Friday/Saturday Peninsula Daily News.

More in News

Aspen Mason-Kleeb, left, and Satria McKnight, both of Port Townsend and members of Popup Movement in Port Hadlock, a circus school owned by Sadie La Donna, right, rehearse a routine they were set to perform Wednesday in a performance as part of the First Night event put on by the Production Alliance. Watching is Julia Franz, seated, a rigger for the company. (Steve Mullensky/ for Peninsula Daily News)
First Night

Aspen Mason-Kleeb, left, and Satria McKnight, both of Port Townsend and members… Continue reading

Free days added for national parks

Non-U.S. residents to pay more for visiting

About 150 to 200 people jumped into 49-degree water at Hollywood Beach on Jan. 1, 2025, for the 37th annual Polar Bear Dip. The air temperature was about 39 degrees, so it was a short, brisk dip that they did three times. There was a beach fire to warm the dippers afterward as well as two portable saunas in the parking lot. The event was sponsored by Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County under the leadership of organizer Dan Welden. Hot drinks, tasty muffins and a certificate for participants were available. (Dave Logan/for Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Polar Plunge set for Hollywood Beach

Event raises funds for Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County

Five elected to Waterfront District board

Five people have been elected to three-year terms on… Continue reading

Holiday lights reflect off the water at Boat Haven in Port Angeles. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Holiday reflections

Holiday lights reflect off the water at Boat Haven in Port Angeles.… Continue reading

Clallam extends public defense

Contract agreement is through February

Celebration of life set Super Bowl Sunday

Messages continue to arrive for John Nutter

Committee members sought for ‘For’ and ‘Against’ statements

The Clallam County commissioners are seeking county residents to… Continue reading

Search and rescue teams locate deceased man

A deceased man was located following search and rescue… Continue reading

Anita La Salle, kneeling in the center, poses with her family of son, daughters, son-in-law and grandkids, all from Port Townsend, after spending Saturday on a scavenger hunt and celebrating a reunion to welcome a long-lost family member who hasn’t been seen in more than 50 years. The hunt originated at the Port Townsend Goodwill, where they each had to buy matching clothes, and took them to various venues around Port Townsend culminating at the anchor at Fort Worden State Park. This is the first Christmas they have all been together as a family. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Family reunion

Anita La Salle, kneeling in the center, poses with her family of… Continue reading

Clallam seeking to extend contracts

Pacts would impact criminal justice in Port Angeles, Sequim

John Nutter.
Olympic Medical Center board commissioner dies at age 54

Nutter, police officer of year in 2010, also worked for hospital, port