Cost of state’s math test too high — 16,000 dropouts - Washington

Chris Engel 1/12/139:00 PM

Article written by ACEsConnection members Jim Sporleder & Teri Barila.

"Washington state stands poised to add up to 16,000 high school seniors to the state’s dropout — and inevitably unemployment — rolls by denying students a diploma.

These students have passed their courses and fulfilled graduation requirements, but they won’t graduate if they fail the algebra or geometry end-of -course exam or the collection of evidence demonstration for 2013....

"What’s missing from this equation is now-available scientific research on how adverse childhood experiences — traumatic events such as ongoing abuse and neglect — change brain development in some children. This results in what psychologists and neurobiologists call toxic stress. Many of these kids, due to neurological damage, will always have a difficult time grasping abstract concepts — like algebra and geometry...."

http://union-bulletin.com/news/2013/jan/12/cost-states-math-test-too-high-16000-dropouts/

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Former Member

Jim, Great article! Congrats on getting the whole thing printed in your local paper! I have a couple of questions. This Algebra/Geometry test seniors will have to pass in order to get their diploma--is it federally mandated or state? If state, is Washington State's test more challenging than other states'? Is this a problem of national concern? Where does the 16,000 figure come from? Are these 16,000 students considered 'disabled' or 'delayed' or just 'not good at math' and nobody seems to know why? What would be an appropriate call to action? Should parents who are concerned about their child's math abilities call their principal for more information? What can people do to make a difference?

Thank you.

Shelley

1/22/138:33 PM