The Seattlest reports this morning that, in just a few minutes, Randy Dorn, the new state schools superintendent, will announce his new vision for standardized testing in Washington.
Dorn campaigned on the promise that he would revamp the public schools assessment strategy, replacing the often-criticized Washington Assessment of Student Learning with “a simpler, fairer test.” So far, it looks like the 10 a.m. announcement will be related to his expected support of a bill before the state Senate this session that would create a three-part assessment system (including, yes, a “state-administered summative achievement assessment” of some kind) to replace the WASL.
Despite the fact that Wallyhood’s own child is still mastering the ability to loll his head about in lazy circles while bubbling spit from his chubby lips (a set of skills not addressed by the WASL), we join parents state-wide in our hopes that a more reasonable way to measure and guide childhood education is unveiled.