This is the first year that sophomores have to pass the WASL to graduate. The state ed dept. and districts have implemented incentives, for example .25 credit for each section passed, hoping that by June 1st 50% of 10th graders haven't dropped out of school (will there be an initial spike?)

Anyway the Seattle Times has a nice article today about the buildup and pressure of the test on many fronts:

Twenty sophomores sit in twos and threes, huddled over math problems. A few months ago, they were in drama class, or P.E. or other electives at Chief Sealth High. But when the West Seattle school offered a course to help them pass the exam they need to graduate, they signed up.

They switched because they're nervous about the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), their parents are nervous, or both. After 13 years, more than $100 million in testing costs and lots of debate, Washington sophomores are 30 school days away from the biggest test of their lives.

We'll take the test earlier this year so reslults can be ready by early/mid June and kids and parents can plan summer accordingly.