WASL Retake Rate: 1-in-3

Only a third of the students who failed the math section of the WASL are taking part in the summer retakes, report The Olympian:

Fewer than one-third of sophomores who failed the math section of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning have signed up to retake the test in August, South Sound and statewide figures released this week show.

Even smaller numbers plan to take the reading and writing tests.

The WASL retake numbers are about what state officials had expected given that many students would need more instruction during the school year to improve their chances of passing the test, said Kim Schmanke, a spokeswoman for the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Here's the thing--if only a third of the students are going to take the opportunity, is it really worth giving? Could the retests be delayed to the curriculum day in October, or worked into the school day some other way? Could districts combine resources to have a big, central retest place (think SAT administration) and save a little money?

I give Bergeson a ton of credit for getting this through the legislature and providing the money for it, but it seems like the execution could be better.