"As he chose NOT to perform, he will get a zero on that section, which will be averaged with the scores of all of the other students in his class: in this case, 10 other children. Obviously, a 0, when averaged with only 10 other scores, can drastically impact the average. Thus, he has compromised the representation of what his peers know and are able to do. Their scores will be reported as a group, not as individuals. Additionally, this extends to the whole fourth grade, as our school score, the one that is reported to the state and the media, is an average of all fourth grade students. Thus, his choice impacts Tyler, his classmates, his grade mates, and his school. "
I think this section of the letter is the most telling.
It really wasn't about Tyler it was about his refusal bringing down the school's test scores.
I would probably write the parents something like this:
"Tyler refused to take a portion of the WASL. His refusal will result in him not passing the test. We are concerned that he cannot write, and we are requesting that we give him writing assessments to see if he has a learning disability. If the assessments show that Tyler does not have a learning disability, then Tyler will either need to go to summer school or repeat 4th grade in order to learn how to write."
Who cares about how his test scores affect the rest of the school. It should be about what is best for this child.
Bingo.
Here in Oregon it isn't the Teachers or principals that grade the State tests,but some outside institute.
So I am wondering how they even knew that he didn't answer the so called question.