MTHS Parent Group Meeting Notes

March 5, 2007

 

Snow Day:

With the latest snow day, it means the school year goes into the next week. The last day of school will be Mon, June 25, 2007 and it will be a half day. Friday, June 22, 2007 converts to a full day of school. The 2007 Graduation Date remains June 14, 2007.

 

Registration:

On March 28th students will begin to register on-line for next year's classes. Students will put in their requests and than a master schedule will be built. All scheduling of classes should be complete by mid-May.

 

Weighted GPA:

MTHS is considering moving to a weighted GPA. They will approach this cautiously, as they have heard from parents that colleges don't necessarily recognize a weighted GPA and it can make it difficult when applying to colleges.

 

The WASL is coming soon!

There will be between 650-700 students taking the WASL at MTHS this year. This number is higher than past years because this will include some 9th grade students, all 10th grade students, and 11th grade students that did not pass the WASL last year.

 

WASL Dates:

March 13, 14, 15 will be Writing

March 19, 20 will be Reading

April 17, 18 will be Math

April 19, 20 will be Science

 

The WASL tests results will come back sooner this year, to allow students more time in registering to retake the WASL in August 2007. Registration for this summer retake test will take place June 8th - July 8th.

 

WASL scores are as follows:

Level 4 means the student exceeded the state standards

Level 3 means the student met the state standards

Level 2 means the student was below state standards (did not pass)

Level 1 means the student was well below state standards (did not pass)

 

Juniors are required to pass the WASL this year in order to graduate. This does not include the Science WASL, which is not a graduating factor until 2010.

 

Daily WASL schedule:

1/13, regular schedule

3/14, periods 6-7-2-3-4-5

3/15, periods 4-5-6-7-2-3

3/19, periods 7-6-5-4-3-2

3/20, regular schedule

4/17, 2-hour late start for Math WASL testing 7:30, all other classes start at 9:30

4/18, 2-hour late start for Math WASL testing 7:30, all other classes start a 9:30

4/19, regular schedule

4/20, periods 7-6-5-4-3-2

 

WASL check-in 7:30am, testing begins at 7:45am, testing ends 9:35am

(exception for Math Days, testing begins at 7:30am, testing ends 9:45am)

 

Comment WASL questions:

Will I get my student's test back? No

Can I see my child's test? Yes, but you must go through a State run, high security process.

Can I appeal my child's score? Yes, appeal process at the high school level only.

 

What are the options if a student does not pass the WASL:

(these are possibilities and are being discussed at the state level)

 

1)      If a student fails the WASL twice, they may choose to work with a lead teacher to gather 10 to 12 work samples (a portfolio) that shows the students capabilities. The state is given this portfolio and determines if in deed the student should graduate.

2)      The state may pay for the student to take either the PSAT, SAT or ACT test. If they receive an acceptable score, they will be able to graduate.