WASL Information

We are very proud of our overall WASL scores at Surprise Lake Middle School.  This past year we made gains in reading for both 6th and 7th grade (2007-2008).  In addition, 7th grade writing scores soared with nearly 80% of our students meeting standard (6th graders are not tested in writing).  Our Core teachers collaborated closely across grade levels on reading and writing instruction.  Our "Walk to Read" model grouped student based upon fluency scores and helped us identify students who needed additional help.  In addition, we as a building conducted two schoolwide writing prompts.  These writing prompts were graded together (including the building principal) with a common rubric.  This process allowed us as a team to discuss quality writing and instructional practices in teaching the writing process. 

Our Mathematics scores increased slightly in 6th grade and dropped in 7th.  Our Mathematics Department examines WASL data as well as teacher designed Classroom Based Assessments to track student learning.

Click here to see scores and benchmark graphs.

No Child Left Behind / Adequate Yearly Progress          

Every school is required to meet specific benchmarks in reading and mathematics grades 3-10 in order adhere to the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) signed into law January 2002, known as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. In Washington, it is primarily a measure of year-to-year student achievement on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). The state must “raise the bar” in gradual increments so that by 2013-2014, all (100%) students will achieve proficiency in each subject area  (see benchmark graphs).  Schools not meeting the established benchmarks are labeled as in AYP (not meeting annual yearly progress).

In addition to the school needing to hit these benchmarks as a whole, each school and district must meet the yearly AYP goals by disaggregated student population groups.  These groups are examined individually are listed below:

• African American
• Native American
• Hispanic
• Asian/Pacific Islanders
• Special Education students
• Limited English speaking students
• Students who are economically disadvantaged (free/reduced students).

Therefore a school may have scores overall that reach the NCLB benchmarks but have a sub-group that fails to hit that mark and are subsequently placed in AYP. 

 

What does this mean for Surprise Lake Middle School?     

Currently Surprise Lake is in Step 1 for not making AYP for two consecutive years in mathematics.  In the 2006-2007 school year our sub-group of Special Needs students did not meet standard.  With a focus on both English Language Learners as well as Special Needs students this past year, I am happy to report that those scores increased over 10%.  Our writing scores far exceeded those required by the state and I am confident that we will accomplish this in mathematics as well.

Within the next few months the district will be constructing a District Plan for Improvement to be submitted to the state. I will be working with our Parent Advisory Council and our building Learning Improvement Team to ensure all our students make standard.

Click here to see Dr. McCammon's letter to the community.

Click here to link the district AYP report