State: WASL scores will not be tossed

State experts who investigated WASL tests from Balboa Elementary School for alleged tampering have determined there are no irregularities, school officials said Tuesday. No scores will be invalidated The state said no test scores will be invalidated. Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction inspected a sixth-grade classroom’s tests after allegations arose in mid-May that Principal Pat Lynass tampered with completed tests, officials said. An Aug. 20 letter from the state office states: “Our review of the reported testing/proctoring irregularities concluded that those irregularities did not lower students test scores.” In early May, Lynass was in teacher Jim Harrison’s classroom during testing because staff raised concerns about how serious his students were taking the WASL. After confronting a student about doodling on the test, Lynass looked through the class’ tests – a violation of WASL protocol – for other drawings or doodles. Lynass was reminded of the appropriate guidelines for the state’s assessment. Harrison has taken a medical leave of absence for the school year, the district said.