Hinging on a proposal from Gov. Christine Gregoire and the state superintendent of public instruction Terry Bergeson, students in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 graduating classes may get a break on the Washington State Assessment of Learning math requirement for their diplomas.

Beginning with the class of 2008, meeting standard on the WASL reading, writing and math sections became a requisite for graduation. However Tuesday, Gregoire and Bergeson announced plans for a proposal to the state Legislature that over the next three years graduating seniors be given a temporary alternative to the WASL math requirement.

Gregoire and Bergeson have proposed that students who have not yet passed the math section of the WASL continue taking rigorous math classes until they either graduate or pass the test. Taking the test or an approved alternative would be required annually, according to the OSPI Web site.

Both officials argue that the proposal is not an attempt to back down from the standards which the state was trying to achieve by implementing the WASL test as a graduation requirement.

“I think we know how to improve student learning outcomes, and I think we are doing that work,” North Kitsap School District Supt. Gene Medina said. “But you have to be realistic about the time it takes to get there.”

Bergeson said the state has a comprehensive plan to improve math teaching and learning, and she noted it will take teachers, students, parents and government leaders working together to assure that Washington students can create a competitive workforce.

According to the OSPI Web site, “the plan includes clarifying and prioritizing standards, adjusting the WASL accordingly, identifying a limited menu of curricula, diagnostic assessments and intervention materials aligned with state standards and tests, and creating a new and better system to prepare teachers and provide them with the professional development they need to improve the teaching of math at all levels.”

However, NKSD school board president Catherine Ahl wonders if the proposal has come too early. Last year, the state Legislature approved $28.5 million — as part of its supplemental budget — for school districts to help students in meeting the standard. Here in North Kitsap, that money was used for free WASL-help courses during the summer.

“This was the first year that we got any money to provide free summer school or free classes for those who didn’t pass,” Ahl said, noting that some students at North are also taking double math classes during the school year to further prepare for the WASL. “We don’t even know what the results of this spring’s math WASL might be as a result of this … we haven’t even let this work yet.”

Bergeson and Gregoire’s proposal to suspend the WASL math graduation requirement for the classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010 will be heard by the Legislature in its upcoming session in January.

“I strongly support the math standards and not moving away from achieving those,” Medina said. “I believe we are at the very beginning of learning how to improve mathematical thinking an learning across the board.”