Ready or not, here it comes: The WASL

Written by Jintana Lityouvong

Though it may feel like a long time away, before you know it, it's that time of year that all sophomores dread: the WASL. On Tuesday October 9th all 10th graders took a pre-math WASL test for practice. With only 18% of sophomores who passed, people are now starting to worry whether or not they're prepared to pass the WASL, especially now that students must pass it in order to graduate from high school. One factor that must have caused so many students to not pass was the limited time given to work on the pre-math WASL. 10% of students didn't finish their test. When taking the real WASL, there will be no time limit.           

There is also the Seattle School District-wide Pathways Program that has recently started. It helps 10th graders who failed the WASL in 7th grade improve their math, reading, and writing skills so they can pass this time. For some students it's a normal class in the school day, but there is also after school tutoring. The classes during the day are designed for students who need to do more work and the after school tutoring are for students who are close to passing. Mr. Jeffreys and Mr. Shearer are the deans of Pathways.            

In the Seattle School District 55% of the students passed the math WASL. Here at Franklin, 44.1% of students passed. Overall there should be some kinds of math components, whether it be analyzing, making graphs, or something else, taught in every class. "In your math class, you should do the hardest problems that are presented to you. It deals with anything that involves words, thinking, and language. Notice math anywhere you are, because math is everywhere. Relax, and look at every possible problem. The math WASL is easy, but it's the way the questions are worded that people have trouble with," says Mr. Alkire, the math coordinator. "Word problems are the big thing. Anyone can do an easy number problem, but kids usually shy away from word problems."          

In reading and writing, the scores from Franklin have been increasing every year. "Students knowing they must pass now is a big motivation," says Ms. Kovach, literacy coordinator. For students who need help in reading and writing particularly, there is the “Read 180” class taught by Ms. Phillips to help them with that.            

Some saw the pre-math WASL as a wake up call to start getting serious.
"I'm worried about the WASL because that math practice was pretty hard and the I think the real thing will be more difficult. I might not pass and not be able to graduate," says Vivian Tong. Nicole Czubin said, "I am not worried about the WASL because it's all stuff I know or should know and that math practice WASL had problems I did in middle school. If that's what the WASL is going to be about then there's no reason to be worried."         

With some students worried and others not, everybody is preparing themselves personally in different ways. "My motto is simply: DON'T STRESS. It's not worth it. This is all stuff we should know as sophomores," said Czubin. While sophomores like them are relaxed, Tong is already preparing. "I'm going to take advantage of all the practice tests we get to prepare," she says. Last year, when Nancy Pham took the WASL she prepared by reviewing vague things.

But who knows what taking the WASL is like better than those who actually took it last? Lena Nguyen, a junior said that she should've taken her time during the test and not rush through it. "Sophomores should start paying attention in class now," she said.

"Don't panic, don't rush, and don't cheat," warns Princess Fernando. Lena, Princess, and Ken Carino all agree that the best thing someone should do to prepare is just to get enough sleep and eat.      

So maybe you're someone who's tearing their hair out, frustrated, and freaked out and worried that you won't pass and never get to graduate. If you are, maybe it's okay to relax for a bit and not cram in so much studying. Maybe you're calm, cool, and collected. You’re confident about passing and not worrying over studying. If you are, maybe you should consider preparing, just in case. Whoever you are, just know that you've been warned. The WASL is coming whether you’re ready or not.

[ Back ]