Posted November 18, 2005

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson sounded a rallying cry for Washington’s school improvement efforts yesterday, urging school board members and other education leaders to “wholeheartedly” commit to making education reform work for all students.

In her annual State of Education address delivered to the WSSDA Annual Conference, Bergeson praised the association for continuing its support for the state’s new high school graduation standards, which include a requirement that students pass the 10th grade WASL to earn a diploma. WSSDA’s Legislative Assembly recently rejected proposals to delay or cancel use of the WASL as an exit exam.

“I respect the views expressed from all sides, and the democratic forum your organization provides for that kind of dialogue,” said Bergeson. “I respect even more your courage and vision in choosing to reaffirm the direction we’re headed to prepare our students to lead more fulfilling lives.”
Bergeson contended that too much emphasis has been placed on the WASL at the expense of the true goal of providing all students with a meaningful education and diploma. The problem has been compounded, she said, by “campaigns of misinformation and fear.”

“It’s much easier to frighten people by telling them thousands of kids might not graduate if we raise standards than to admit that thousands of our kids already graduate without the ability to read, write and do math at a level that will allow them any amount of success in the world,” she said.

Bergeson said she will ask the upcoming Legislature for $42 million for summer school and extended learning opportunities to assist those students who don’t succeed in their first WASL attempt. She will also seek $4 million to strengthen guidance and counseling programs in middle and high schools, and $5 million to provide teachers the training and tools needed to help diverse student populations.

In addition, she pledged that her office will be ready to present to the Legislature a plan for viable alternative assessments that can be offered to students who have the required skills but are unable to demonstrate them on the WASL.

Bergeson acknowledged the worry that exists as the state nears implementation of the graduation requirements. “Be assured that I worry, too,” she said. “But we can do this.”

Most important, she said, is that “we have to keep our hearts in this work. We have to want this change. We have to wholeheartedly support it and believe in ourselves and our students. We have to promote an atmosphere of hope and determination in our schools.”

The full text of the State of Education address is available on the OSPI Web site at www.k12.wa.us. The speech will also be rebroadcast on TVW. Visit www.tvw.org for air dates and channel listings.

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