z67\doc\web\2003\04\waslleft.txt
4/24/2003
[wa-ed-deform] TNT: Letter to the Editor: Many children will be left behind with WASL testing
Many children will be left behind with WASL testing 
MAUREEN BERNARDY; Federal Way; 

Who's afraid of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL)?
This question inaccurately implies that opposition to the WASL is
based upon fear of tough tests. A more accurate question would be: Who
controls curriculum? The state takes federal education funding, which
means the WASL must align with federal mandates. Loss of local control
means parents have no genuine influence over curriculum; students
suffer. 

The often-touted "back-to-basics" approach sounds promising, but
"basics" have changed. Reading, writing and arithmatic are now
discovering, relating and estimating.

The new emphasis on discovery-based learning, socially relevant
curriculum and whole language reading instruction is left over from
John Dewey's progressive education fad. This approach has been
institutionalized into federal law with the No Child Left Behind Act
and is at the core of current education policy.

If parents believe the WASL is meant to reestablish strong academics
and sound teaching methods, they are terribly mistaken. Putting
knowledge-based curriculum back into classrooms and holding students
accountable with academic-based tests will restore educational
excellence in our schools. Teaching to the test of No Child Left
Behind will definitely not restore academics.

MAUREEN BERNARDY Federal Way
(Published 12:30AM, April 24th, 2003)