The MSP or Measurements of Student Progress will be the new assessment for grades 3-8. It is intended to be more diagnostic than the previous assessment (WASL). Online assessing will be phased in starting in the spring of 2010.

Explanation of the difference between assessments and tests, the terms “valid”and “reliable” and other information.

Information from the website of the Office of the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In a nutshell, this is the WASL

The following opinion piece was sent as a press release on June 4, 2001, from the offices of Sen. Harold Hochstatter (R – Moses Lake) and Sen. Val Stevens (R – Arlington). Although the specific supporting statistics cited are somewhat dated, the problem they illustrate has not been solved. The WASL is still biased against boys.

Did you know the WASL is an “assessment” not a “test”. What is the difference between “valid” and “reliable” in an assessment or test? Find out more.

A report by State Senator Craig Pridemore.

The 2006 Legislature directed the WSIPP, under Senate Bill 6618, to “conduct a study to explore options to augment the current system of assessments…” The bill directed the Institute to consult with a broad range of groups, and CURE was among the participating groups.

Seattle Times Editorial about the WASL writing exam.

Besides not being valid or reliable, or cost-effective, the WASL also brings up ethical issues.