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Improve student achievement in elementary, middle and high schools

Indicator 1: Reduce gaps in student achievement

Measure a: Percent of 4th Graders Meeting Standards

Description:

Percent of 4th Graders Meeting Standards

Indicator 1 is based on student performance on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). The WASL is administered each spring to Washington fourth-, seventh- and 10th-graders. The WASL was developed to measure how well students are progressing in meeting state academic standards.

The tests are designed to measure students' progress in meeting critical learning goals that Washington educators have established in each subject area. These academic standards specify what all students should know and be able to do by graduation. These standards are called Essential Academic Learning Requirements, or EALRs. Student progress toward these learning goals is measured by the WASL as well as by a variety of other classroom assessments.

Percent of 4th Graders Meeting Standards
Year All Students Low-Income Students Difference
Reading: Percent Meeting Standard
2003
66.7%
52.0%
14.7%
2004
74.4%
61.4%
13.0%
2005
79.5%
67.7%
11.8%
2006
81.2%
70.9%
10.3%
2007
76.6%
64.8%
11.8%
Mathematics: Percent Meeting Standard
2003
55.2%
40.4%
14.8%
2004
59.9%
44.7%
15.2%
2005
60.8%
43.8%
17.0%
2006
58.9%
42.5%
16.4%
2007
58.1%
40.7%
17.4%

Sources:

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Washington State School Report Card