Students could see some major changes in the Washington's standardized student assessment testing with the recent election of Randy Dorn as the state's superintendent of public instruction.

Dorn, a former state legislator, teacher, and principal, emphasized a desire to replace the Washington Assessment of Student Learning for an alternative standardized test during his campaign.

"Schools should be about hope, opportunity and opening doors for all students," said Dorn. "In the past four years it's been all about fear and closing doors on students."

Since he was elected Dorn has not changed his stance on the issue. The new elect says that the test takes too many man hours and too much money to score. Sections of the exam require short, handwritten answers which must be graded individually. Instead Dorn would like to use an exam that is purely multiple choice. He argues this would allow current technology to score the exams quickly and deliver them efficiently to parents and students.

Phil Brockman, principal of Ballard High School, disagreed. He suggested that written responses allow students to better demonstrate what they know.

"What I like about the short answer is it gives us more information," said Brockman.

Dorn also recommended the tests be shorter. Currently students take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning over a two week period during the school year.

"It does take a lot of time," said Brockman. "Eight days out of the year takes away a lot of instructional time, especially for math."

The new state superintendent also emphasized that the test be diagnostic and used as a tool to help students learn better.

The implications of the test would not change, however. Students taking the test in the tenth grade would still need to pass to graduate high school. According to federal law all states must have a standardized test in public schools.

"There must be a standard," said Dorn. "We've got to have students who can read, write and do math in order to move on and further learn."

Brockman emphasized the progress that has been made under the current assessment test to improve classroom instruction.

"The (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) has helped align curriculum for all students," said Brockman. "What I hope doesn't happen is that we go to a place where people relax and much of that work is lost."

Rose Egge may be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com