Gov. Gregoire calls for changes in mathematics instruction.

Struggling with math? If you’re a Bainbridge High School student with the hurdle of standardized testing between you and your diploma, you may catch a break.

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire proposed Monday that the mathematics portion of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning – which students statewide have had demonstrable trouble passing – should not be required to graduate, for at least the next three years.

That’s a reprieve for the class of 2008, this year’s juniors and the first students for whom WASL mastery is the prerequisite for a diploma. But don’t expect instruction at BHS to be less rigorous.

“I think even before it was a graduation requirement, we had students and teachers who took those standards very seriously,” said Faith Chapel, assistant superintendent for instruction of the Bainbridge Island School District. “I don’t think that not having it as a graduation requirement will mean everyone sits back and says, ‘we don’t have to worry about this.’”

The WASL is intended to measure student aptitude, but students statewide have been confounded by the mathematics portion of the test.

Some 86 percent of last year’s BHS sophomores passed the math WASL on their first try – good, but noticeably lower than the 98 percent proficiency on the reading exam and 97 percent in writing. On recent WASL re-takes, just 16 of 28 BHS students cleared the math hurdle on their second try.

Those results are stellar compared to statewide scores – barely half of Washington sophomores who took the WASL last year earned passing marks in math.

That has prompted educators and state leaders to examine the root of the deficiencies.

Under consideration at the state level are various remedies, including more uniformity in math instruction statewide and help for struggling students. In the meantime, passing additional math courses would be sufficient for graduation.

While she would like to see the state provide more remedial resources, Chapel said Bainbridge schools will continue to work on the premise that given sufficient instruction, all students can pass the WASL exam.

“Sometimes, talking about the test takes us aways from the main goal, which is really to have students be the best prepared they can be for whatevever they choose to do with their lives,” she said.