|
 |
|
|
|
Washington Earns Good Grades on Chamber Report Card |
|
|
|
Written On: March 01, 2007 |
|
|
|
Written By: Shawn Sullivan |
|
|
|
Brunell Urges Continued Commitment to the WASL
OLYMPIA—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently gave Washington good grades for its education system, ranking the state in the nation’s top tier.
In its recent report, "Leaders and Laggards: A State-by-State Report Card on Educational Effectiveness," the U.S. Chamber of Commerce graded the states on nine criteria. Washington earned five As—for academic achievement, academic achievement of low-income and minority students, return on investment, 21st century teaching force, and data quality.
The state earned a B for flexibility in management and policy and Cs for truth in advertising about student proficiency, rigor of standards, and post-secondary workforce readiness.
AWB President Don Brunell, a member of the Committee of 100, the U.S. Chamber’s leadership group, commended state education leaders for the good report card.
"The state’s high grades demonstrate that our continued emphasis on academic accountability and meaningful graduation standards is paying off," said Brunell. "We are asking more of our schools and our teachers. The progress we’re seeing is encouraging."
The U.S. Chamber found that "student achievement in Washington state is very strong relative to state education spending," earning the state the top grade. On academic achievement, the Chamber reports that Washington "ranks among the highest in the nation."
Although the state received a C on the rigor of standards benchmark, the U.S. Chamber notes that the grade was improved by "a rigorous exit exam that students must pass to graduate." That exam is the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), which is currently being challenged in the Legislature.
"Lawmakers must remain focused on student achievement and not retreat from the WASL," said Brunell.
The report is available at http://www.uschamber.com/icw/reportcard/default.
|
|
|
|
