About the Beat

It is no secret the United States’ economy is in a recession. What has also become apparent in the past few years is that public education is one of the first items on the chopping block when budgets are reconstructed. The effects are felt at every level of the education system from elementary, middle and high schools to the state universities. Cuts to education budgets have been in the news for decades, and with each slash the results become more magnified. As a result, students and families have been taking on a larger financial obligation, especially at the collegiate level.
Now, with hard times falling upon more and more families, the decreased affordability of education is taking a more dramatic toll. That can even be seen in primary and secondary schooling. Private schools are becoming less of an option for Americans and that not only makes it more difficult for the schools losing enrollment to operate, but puts a larger burden on the already-stretched public schools those children are entering.
Another part of the education system that is taking a hit due to the economy is scholarships and financial aid. College tuition nowadays is a small fortune even at a state school, and there is less money being provided to help offset the cost for potential students. There are also more people applying for financial aid and scholarships than ever before because of the worsened economy, further compounding the problem.
As a student at Washington State University, I see first-hand the consequences these drastic budget cuts are having on our school, but we are not alone. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is even worse in some places and those nation-wide issues can offer a glimpse at what may be in store for this region. Follow me as I explore what happens in the education realm during the next four months and how it may affect the Northwest.
Please direct any questions or comments to mwalsh88@wsu.edu.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Away With WASL

A lot has been made in recent years of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) and whether or not it is effective.

Newly elected Washington State schools Superintendent Randy Dorn promised reform to the standardized test during his campaign. Last month he vowed to phase out the test by 2010, however he and Gov. Chris Gregoire agree that a standardized test needs to be required for graduation from high school. Read an article from The Columbian about the new tests he envisions.

Dorn's sentiment for a change to the standardized testing system has been echoed by other politicians. The most recent proponent is chairwoman of the state Senate education committee, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe. Read what she had to say about the need for the state to support students in this Wednesday Seattle P.I. article.
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