9th grade optional WASL canceled

SEATTLE — State schools officials are canceling the 9th grade optional Washington Assessment of Student Learning. Ninth graders will not be given an opportunity to take the high school exam one year early this spring. The decision announced Wednesday night by Superintendent Randy Dorn is expected to save nearly $500,000. A spokesman for the superintendent said Dorn was planning to announce the change on Thursday, but the news got out before his announcement. Chris Barron says his office notified school districts and the media Wednesday evening.