Survey with WASL won't be tabulated

Survey with WASL won't be tabulated

Olympia

No survey results will be tabulated after all as part of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) next week.

The demographic survey, included in previous years as part of other standardized tests, was to be an optional accompaniment to the WASL this year. Students were to be asked questions such as how much TV they watch, how important doing well on the WASL is to them and the education level of their parents.

But members of the Parent Empowerment Network, based in Spanaway, Pierce County, protested the survey, saying it was invasive and improper. "The survey asked very personal questions," said Juanita Doyon, director of the advocacy group, which also opposes the WASL.

The survey already has been printed with the test, but no results will be tallied, said Kim Schmanke, spokeswoman for the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The agency will work with parents, school districts and others to determine if it will include the survey next year.