WASL testing

[Jenene]

My girlfriend was asking me what I thought of the WASL. Its Washington states acheivement test in the public schools. Her son who is HF Austistic boy took the test due to the teachers pressuring my girlfriend. She is curious why they are so insistent on testing him with a test he is sure to fail... which he did. Do any of you know what the purpose and what the school gets out of the test? Do they get points, funding? Why put a mom thru that if it was unneccesary?

[Jen & Steve in WA]

My girlfriend was asking me what I thought of the WASL. Its Washington states acheivement test in the public schools. Her son who is HF Austistic boy took the test due to the teachers pressuring my girlfriend. She is curious why they are so insistent on testing him with a test he is sure to fail... which he did. Do any of you know what the purpose and what the school gets out of the test? Do they get points, funding? Why put a mom thru that if it was unneccesary?
I am by no means an expert or a professional but I am the parent of a ds with HF autism. First, I would question why they administered the WASL instead of the WAAS. If he has a diagnosis of autism, with an IEP, they should have given him the alternate test. (http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/altassess.aspx) Secondly, teachers and school administration have a way of pressuring parents - I know from experience.:angry: And it's sometimes difficult to stand one's ground. But the parent has the ultimate responsibility and carries the biggest weight when decisions need to be made. Third, I am not positive about what the school would receive in return for him failing the test. I would surely look into it. I do know that some states give extra funding to schools for each special needs child. If a special needs child isn't showing adequate progress, well, I don't know what happens.

Hope this helps.:huh:

[carriejoy]

Is your friend homeschooling using a teacher "cover" in WA? I live here and would be willing to talk with her if she'd like, whether or not she's homeschooling. I'll send you an email with my phone number and she can call if she likes.

eta: sent you my number. Please have her make sure she says who she is on the phone if she gets the machine and that she must insist that Carrie get the message! :lol: I love my husband but he is not so hot on messages! ;)