Academic achievement

How is King County doing?

Washington State has determined Essential Academic Learning Requirements and Grade Level Expectations for K-10th grade children in public schools. Progress toward meeting these goals is measured by the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Over the past three years, the percent of fourth grade students in King County who met the WASL standards has been virtually unchanged. In 2007, 80% of students met the reading standard. 67% and 65% passed the writing and math WASL, respectively.

"On time" graduation rates are based on cohorts of students entering high school in the same year. The graduation year is assigned at the beginning of Grade 9 and students are followed over time to determine what percent successfully graduate in four years. In 2006, graduation rates improved in 12 out of 19 school districts within King County. Graduation rates by district varied widely, from 41.8 percent to 94.2 percent. For a student that does not graduate from high school, the career outlook is bleak. High school dropouts earn significantly less on average than those students who finish high school and go on to at least some college.

What else influences these indicators?

Children are born learning. But children can only be successful in school when they are able to adjust to the demands of a classroom, are comfortable exploring and asking questions, are able to listen to the teacher, and play and work well with other children. Evidence shows that those children who are physically healthy, emotionally mature, socially competent, and have cognitive, language, and communication skills are more likely to benefit from learning opportunities offered in the school environment than children who are not prepared in these ways. Parents, caregivers, early learning educators, and communities are all responsible for providing children with opportunities to acquire these developmental milestones in preparation for school.

What role does King County government play?

King County plays only a minor role in directly influencing academic achievement. The county's primary role is to ensure healthy students and provide educational support programs to targeted populations.