Parents gain right to view children’s WASL tests

SEATTLE – The state will allow parents to see their children’s WASL tests, after officials acknowledged they had incorrectly interpreted a federal law that requires limited public access to standardized tests.

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning test, adopted by the state eight years ago, is required for high school graduation starting in 2008. Scores are included on transcripts and can be viewed by colleges.

For years, Seattle parent Nanette Meratinia had tried to access her son’s WASL exams, but was denied by Seattle Public Schools administrators.

After filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education, she recently was granted permission to view the tests.

Since introducing the test in 1997, state education officials have refused parent requests to see it, citing a state law that shields the test from public view. Officials feared copies of the tests would be passed around, allowing students to cheat. Revisions would be costly, with each new question costing about $20,000 to create, validate and pilot test. The state Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office, however, learned that the test booklets are considered “educational records.” The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 allows parents and students over age 18 to view such records and make necessary changes.

“We were taking the words literally,” said Paul Dugger, state assessment coordinator. He noted that there have been no legal challenges brought against the state on the issue.

The superintendent’s office said Tuesday that it’s working with the state Attorney General’s Office to draw up a policy. Washington education officials are trying to clarify how quickly the state must disclose the WASL booklets, Dugger said.

Portions of students’ scores are recorded electronically, but the test booklet is stored for a year in Austin, Texas, at a warehouse managed by the testing company the state contracts with. When new booklets arrive each spring, the previous set is shredded.

It’s also unclear whether parents will be able to appeal their students’ scores, rather than having the student retake the test.

Until all issues are resolved, Dugger and his staff will handle requests case by case.

Richland resident De Anna Winterrose on May 16 was granted access to her seventh-grade son’s test, but had to sign a nondisclosure agreement and couldn’t take notes or make copies of the test. Two representatives of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction also had to be present.

She said it was worth the hassle. “It was so informational, I wish every parent could see it, every teacher could see it. It would add so much to the educational process.”