New statewide ed tests next week, some on computer

OLYMPIA — Online testing begins this week for some Washington students in grades six through eight. The new Measures of Student Progress — the tests replacing the WASL in the younger grades — will be given for the first time. State education officials say one out of every four Washington schools with sixth through eighth grades will give the tests online in math or reading or both. Superintendent Randy Dorn believes students will be more engaged taking the tests on a computer. Changing statewide testing was one of Dorn’s goals when elected superintendent of public instruction.