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Reporter's Notebook

8/26/2008

WASL scores hold steady
Hope - 8/26/2008

The most recent round of testing results were released this week for the Washington Assessment of Student Learning exam, the state's measuring stick for No Child Left Behind.

Following are some highlights of the results, according to the Associated Press.

Here's the question: What do you think of standardized testing? What do you think should happen with the WASL?

Results (according to the AP):

The scores show some ups and downs, but students in most grades generally had similar passing rates this year and last.

The spring 2008 results show fifth and eighth grade passing rates improved in all subjects. Third-, fourth- and seventh-graders have lower passing rates in reading and math.

Tenth-graders improved their passing rates in reading, writing and science but dipped slightly in math.

Some highlights (not all grades took tests in all subjects) of the percentage of students who met standards:

—Third grade: reading, 70.4 percent; mathematics, 68.3 percent.

—Fourth grade: reading, 72.3 percent; mathematics, 53.4 percent; writing, 62.1 percent.

—Fifth grade: reading, 75.3 percent; mathematics: 61.0 percent; science: 42.9 percent.

—Sixth grade: reading, 68.6 percent; mathematics, 48.9 percent.

—Seventh grade: reading, 62.8 percent; mathematics, 50.3 percent; writing, 69.7 percent.

—Eighth grade: reading, 65.9 percent; mathematics, 51.5 percent; science, 47.9 percent.

—10th grade: reading, 81.3 percent; mathematics, 49.3 percent; writing, 86.2 percent; science, 39.7 percent.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Primary election results
Hope - 8/26/2008

Here are the updated results for local races, as of Monday, according to the Spokane County Elections Office.

Counties have until Sept. 3 to certify their returns, and the state will certify the election by Sept. 9. The turnout still could exceed 40 percent, a fairly average turnout.

State Senator - 4th Leg District
Judi Owens (Liberty Lake Councilwoman)     12,988   40.33 percent
Bob McCaslin . . . . . . . . .              19,163   59.5
State Representative Pos 1 - 4th Leg District
Linda J. Thompson. . . . . . . .     13,617   42.84 percent
Larry Crouse . . . . . . . . .        18,131   57.04
State Representative Pos 2 - 4th Leg District
Matt Shea . . . . . . . . . .       13,055   41.03 percent
Tim Hattenburg. . . . . . . . .     10,747   33.78
County Commissioner District 1
Kim Thorburn . . . . . . . . .    17,388   46.46 percent
Todd Mielke. . . . . . . . . .     19,982   53.39
County Commissioner District 2
Brian Sayrs (Liberty Lake Councilman) . . 16,218   46.73 percent
Mark Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18,434   53.11

Next up:
* Deadline for mail-in or online voter registration or updates for the general election is Oct. 4.
* Deadline for in-person new registrations is Oct. 20.
* General election ballots for overseas and military voters must go in the mail by Oct. 5 and must be available in-person for other voters by Oct. 15. Ballots for most voters will be mailed by Oct. 17 and many voters will get them over that weekend or on Monday, Oct. 20.
* Election Day is Nov. 4.