Early WASL numbers show mixed results in WV

West Valley has received its early WASL scores with mixed results. Math scores are down significantly at West Valley High School, but passing rates for the reading and writing portion were well above the state average.

Among sophomores, 86.8 percent passed reading and 96.8 percent passed writing. Both those numbers are down slightly from last year, but it’s difficult to compare year to year scores, said Assistant Superintendent Gene Sementi at this week’s board meeting. “The test is different every year,” he said.

It’s more accurate to compare passing rates to this year’s state average, which is 77.4 percent in reading and 81.7 percent in writing, he said. Sementi is pleased with West Valley’s scores, particularly in light of the district’s free and reduced lunch rate of 47 percent. “For us to be above the state average is great,” he said.

However, math scores for sophomores dropped 16.2 percent from last year. Only 41.5 percent met the standard, compared with a 45 percent state average. “Nobody is happy about the drop in math,” Sementi said.

Scores at the districts alternative schools were also mixed, with low numbers of students taking the tests making the percentages fluctuate widely. The numbers of those passing the math WASL, however, were low at all the schools.

In other business, the board approved new social studies curriculum for all grade levels and new language arts curriculum for freshmen and sophomores. Textbook purchases are currently projected to be $115,000 but that cost will probably come down, Sementi said.