From: Issaquah School District E-News
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 2:32 PM
To: 'e-news@listserv.issaquah.wednet.edu'
Subject: 2006 testing information and Nutrition Committee meeting

·        January 20 is the last day for high school students to register for the voluntary WASL tests given in March and April this year. 

 

If that’s “news to you” as a high school parent, you may not have noticed the material sent home before the winter break.  Check the district website for copies of those materials and additional information to help you make decisions about voluntary WASL testing this year and changing requirements for graduation.  (For the 10th graders, WASL is not optional.)

 

·        An invitation from Superintendent Barry to January 23 and 25 WASL presentation and discussions

The Monday night presentation in the Administration Center Boardroom brings Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), to present “where we are” now with WASL, what could be ahead for us in the future, how the legislative process might impact WASL and student learning goals, and how Washington State’s student learning standards mesh with federal requirements.  The start time for the meeting is being determined, although the meeting will last approximately two hours and include time for questions and comments. Watch for notices about the meeting’s start time.

 

That same week, on Wednesday night (January 25), beginning at 7 pm, the School Board is hosting a community discussion as follow-up to Monday’s presentation.  Linking with the public on issues that impact student learning is a board goal and responsibility.  This is a rare opportunity to have a nationally recognized expert one evening and a subsequent chance to talk openly about what we learn from her two nights later.  It’s a lot of time, but I know this is a topic of interest to you, and I encourage you to take part in the dialogue.  

 

·        Learn more about WASL and Stanford 10 tests and what they mean to Issaquah students! WASL is different this year and Stanford 10 is new.  WASL is now required for grades 3-8 and 10, and it's optional for grades 9, 11, and 12. Dates and testing are different this year, and the potential impact on graduation (beginning with the class of 2008) is something all students and parents should understand. All students in grades K-11 will take the Stanford 10 in math and reading.

Monday, March 6 or Thursday, March 9, 2006, 7:00 pm
Administration Center Board Rooms

 

·        The Stanford 10 Achievement Test is new and will be administered March 27 through April 6, 2006.   Its data will be used to identify students for special programs throughout the district and to help teachers know more about student skills in specific areas like fractions, decimals, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

 

As an alternative to the Stanford 10, students who take the WAAS Portfolio will have a Checklist Alternative Assessment based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP) in Reading and Mathematics.

 

A full schedule of all District testing is on the website.

 

·        The Nutrition Committee is ready to introduce their draft process.  They invite you to a public meeting Wednesday, March 1, 7 pm, in the Administration Center Board RoomsThe Nutrition Committee’s work so far is on the website.

 

·        Remember to vote!  Absentee ballots arrive the week of January 17.  Polls are open February 7.  Details about special election issues are on the website. 

 

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