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August 31, 2005

Contact:           Jocelyn McCabe, Director of Communications
                        Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)
                        360.357.7951 or 360.951.5269 (mobile)
                        jocelyn@awsp.org

Principals Celebrate Gains in 2005 WASL Scores
Continued focus, intentionality necessary to ensure all students meet standard

OLYMPIA– School principals across Washington state have reason to celebrate, given the increase in students meeting standard on the 2005 Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). But much work remains to be done to close the achievement gap and help the first of many classes affected by the new graduation standards, according to the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP).

“This year, as in years past, we continue to see increases in the number of students meeting standard, and that is always encouraging,” said Gary Kipp, AWSP executive director. “On behalf of our board, I want to congratulate those schools, students, teachers and principals for all of their hard work,” he said.  

“As an association, we are committed to learning from schools that saw substantial increases and sharing their strategies with our members. If we have learned anything in our reform efforts, it’s that there is no one quick fix that will boost student achievement. This year’s scores again provide us with another opportunity to study, reflect and share best practices,” said Kipp.

“It’s going to take a continued concerted effort from all education stakeholders, one that requires additional focus, intentionality and relentless expectations of each student and student learning.”

While the Association remains concerned about the support districts and schools will need to implement to help the class of 2008 earn their diplomas, it fully supports the graduation requirements and the state’s learning standards, Kipp added.

“The data we saw today regarding retakes was very encouraging. And if we are able to give students additional supports, through retakes, remediation and individualized learning plans, we will continue to see increases in achievement,” Kipp said. “Make no mistake: we recognize additional funding will be necessary to ensure these supports are in place. And AWSP will continue its efforts to secure more funding for resources. But now is not the time to turn our backs on the standards. Rather, this is the time to reinforce our support of students and find the means to help them succeed.

"All students—regardless of income or ethnicity— must be prepared to meet the challenges of the real world, and the standards we are asking them to meet are not unreasonable.”

AWSP will continue its own work toward reducing and, eventually, eliminating the achievement gap in the coming year, Kipp said, through its strategic plan initiatives. The Association recently welcomed retired Seattle principal Sharon Green as the Association’s director of diversity initiatives and services. Green will assist AWSP in studying the implications of diversity issues for principals. 

“Today’s scores suggest that schools are moving in the right direction and that students are the beneficiaries of the good teaching taking place across the state. There are challenges, and we must continue to investigate ways to reach those students not yet meeting standard,” concluded Kipp. 

“Our mission at AWSP is to support principals and assistant principals in the education of all students. As we enter the new school year, we look forward to helping our members deliver on that goal.”

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About the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP)

The Association of Washington School Principals is a professional association serving principals and assistant principals. Formed in 1972, the Association now includes more than 3,500 members from public and private elementary, middle and high schools statewide. It also includes three component boards, representing principals, assistant principals and principal interns at the elementary, middle and high school level. The mission of AWSP is to support principals and assistant principals and the principalship in the education of all students. For more information on the Association, visit the AWSP Web site at www.awsp.org.