TeacherAdministratorResponsibilities-Washington.docVIP

Information Regarding Student Participation in WASL Table of Contents Background Information 1 Professional Expectations 1 Specific Teacher/Administrator Responsibilities 1 Student/Parent Rights of Refusal 2 Student Refusal to Take the WASL – Suggested Steps 3 Parent Refusal to Allow Their Child to Take the WASL – Suggested Steps 4 Checklist of Steps to Follow if Student or Parent Refuses the WASL 6 Benefits for Students Taking the WASL 7 Consequences When Students Do Not Take the WASL 7  Information Regarding Student Participation in WASL Background Information To help educators interpret the Washington state legislation outlined in RCW 28A.655.070 that mandates the administration of the WASL, the 2006 WASL Assessment Coordinator’s Manual states: Federal and state laws require public schools to administer the assessments to students enrolled in the specified grades and subjects, the assumption apparently being that participation on the part of the student or approval on the part of the parent would not be an issue. Because it is not specifically addressed in the legislation, agency policy adopted after the question arose has been that students may refuse to participate or their parents may refuse to have their children tested. The policy further requires the school to request that the refusal on the part of either the student or parent be put into writing by the parent and kept on file at the school or district office. It is also recommended that the parent be requested to include the reason for not wanting the child tested. If any parent is unwilling to put the refusal in writing, the school should document that the request was made but the parent would not put the refusal in writing. This refusal will not avoid any consequence for not testing, such as WASL scores on the transcript or failure to graduate. Professional Expectations Students show us what they know and can do in a variety of ways. Teachers gather student lea