Skyline advanced math students help with WASL retake prep

Nine Skyline advanced-math students eagerly answered the call to tutor during a concentrated weeklong class, July 31 through August 4 at Issaquah High School, which helped their peers prepare to retake the math section of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).

With coffee, rulers, and calculators in hand, the tutors showed up as early as 8 a.m. and stayed three to six hours each day, working with groups of one to four tutees. Skyline math teacher Amie Karkainen—who has had experience scoring WASL math tests—oversaw the class, doling out worksheets, guidance, and math know-how.

The tutors worked around busy summer plans: volleyball camps, international vacations, jobs, student leadership activities, playtime with family and friends, … sleeping. But they all empathized with the tutees, who—as part of the class of 2008—are the first required by the state to pass the math, reading, and writing sections of the WASL to graduate.

"That's a lot of pressure!" said tutor Katie Duda, a senior. "I'm glad that I didn't have that requirement. I want to help make sure these guys pass."

In addition to math, the district also offered a weeklong reading and writing WASL skill course at Issaquah High—each designed for those in the class of 2008 who were "near-misses" in one or more of the subject areas on the spring WASL. The summer tutorials were meant to give each a boost to tackle the WASL retakes August 7-10. Those who were "far-misses" in passing the spring WASL will receive more comprehensive content lessons in the coming school year. About 24 students district-wide signed up for the math tutorial.

The Skyline advanced-math students were originally recruited earlier this spring to volunteer in Algebra 1 classes next school year. When Amie agreed to lead the summer WASL math class, she and assistant principal Heidi Fedore saw an opportunity to enlist their service early.

The tutors said they reaped some of the benefit from the volunteer opportunity-meeting new students and brushing up on their math skills. They were impressed with the tutees' base knowledge and work ethics.

"When these kids retake the WASL, they have all the resources they need to be successful," Amie said. "And I know they will be."

The tutors include:

• Jessica Caesar
• Kathryn Choi
• Kimberly Choi
• Katie Duda
• Brent Hamamoto
• Ben Pitasky
• Ryuichi Sikora
• Anirudh Srinivas