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

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/