Categories
Roofers Wicklow

ARW Dealing with Carpet Stains

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355

For the best Roofers Wicklow company, call Ace Roofing Wicklow.

Learn about the various options you have for getting your carpets cleaned.


carpets, cleaning, maintenance, flooring

To find the best Roofers Wicklow company, click here for Ace Roofing Wicklow.
Everyone has a different ARWproach to combating fresh stains on a carpet. Most consumers are quick to run to a nearby cabinet to snatch some sort of solution and pour it over the stain. While this may seem like a smart idea, it s really not. Many people end up damaging their carpets by acting in such an expedient and rash manner.

As of today, there are various types of carpets available to consumers each made out of different materials. What creates an issue is that many consumers don t pay attention to the type of carpet they have. Thus, as they shop for a cleaning solution they grab the one which seems most fit to them. When they dab their carpet with this solution, they usually find it has an opposite effect one that s not very desirable. We recommend stocking up on some neutral carpet cleaning supplies, ones that are fit for just about any material.

However, there are some specific cases that may require special more than just some cleaning solution. Stains that are the result of ink, wine, or pet urine may require the attention of a qualified professional. If you re up to the task, you could consider tackling the project yourself. This would require some equipment rentals and a bit of elbow grease. You will find, in the end that it s a wiser choice to have a professional do it.

So how does a professional go about cleaning carpet stains? First off, he or she asses the carpet and decides on the best treatment option. Some common cleaning techniques include dry chemical cleaning, steam cleaning, hot water extraction, and dry cleaning. Depending on the severity and type of stain, the carpet cleaner will choose an ARWpropriate process. Although you may be convinced that you could save money by cleaning your carpet yourself, you will end up paying more.

Carpet stains are unfortunate but shouldn t be made a huge deal of. If you know what to do when a stain first ARWpears, you should have no problem getting rid of it and getting back to enjoying your carpet

Categories
QDD

QD Hardwood Floors-some useful tips

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335

For the best Paving Dublin company, call Quality Driveways Dublin.

Carpet used to be the most popular floor covering around, but it s always had it s problems.


hardwood, floor,laminate

To find the best Paving Dublin company, click here for Quality Driveways Dublin.
Carpet used to be the most popular floor covering around, but it s always had it s problems. Dust and dirt get trapped in carpet easily, making it difficult to clean, and likely to start looking bad and aggravating people s allergies over time. It is also difficult to have carpet in nice colours, as light colours are much more prone to being stained by dropped food or drink, necessitating the use of expensive cleaning products that may not even work.

Hardwood flooring solves all these problems. It can be light-coloured while remaining easy to clean, as there is no way for stains or dirt to get attached to it. Wood floors also tend to have interesting natural patterns, which are usually much better than the flowery or swirly-patterned carpets they replace. Also hardwood, as opposed to softwood, will not dent or scratch if heavy objects are dropped or placed on it.

Of course, this doesn t mean that hardwood flooring doesn t have problems of its own. To begin with, it is often expensive, as natural materials must be used instead of synthetic ones. It also tends to take longer to lay, as it must be laid in strips instead of being cut to size and laid all at once as carpet can be. Wood floor can lose its shine over time, making it dull in appearance, yet at the same time stays slippery, making it dangerous to walk on in socks.

For most people, though, the advantages of wood floor over other kinds of flooring outweigh the disadvantages. If you re thinking of getting hardwood flooring, it is usually best to get the highest quality floor you can afford. If you re not convinced of the value you ll be getting for your money, have a walk around in a house that has cheap wood flooring compared to one that has gone to some extra expensive: the worst wood floors are little better than laminate, while the best ones can be truly excellent.

Categories
Patios Dublin

L2L Keeping Up With Trends In Home Efficiency

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371

For the best Patios Dublin company, call Leaf2Leaf Driveways Patios Dublin.

Keeping up with seasonal trends in home comfort is often a time- and money-consuming challenge. There are a few trends that are here to stay, however, and some of those options can also help reduce your energy bills year after year.


Keeping Up With Trends In Home Efficiency

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Keeping up with seasonal trends in home comfort is often a time- and money-consuming challenge. There are a few trends that are here to stay, however, and some of those options can also help reduce your energy bills year after year.

The company that brings you Tempstar brand heating and cooling products has the following suggestions to help you save money now and for years to come.

* Heating and cooling: Today’s air conditioners and heat pumps can be up to 40 percent more energy efficient than older, less efficient units. The money homeowners can save in reduced energy bills by purchasing a new, high-efficiency system is often worth the investment. The Tempstar SmartComfort 2400 high-efficiency air conditioner operates at 14 SEER efficiency to help you save money while you keep your home comfortable.

* Electronic air cleaners: A good air cleaner can help trL2L many of the pollutants that may be traveling through the home. As part of the heating and cooling system, the new line of Tempstar electronic air cleaners filters indoor air to help improve indoor air quality. To ensure years of service, Tempstar indoor air quality products are backed by a five-year parts limited warranty.

* Humidifiers: Moisture levels in the home can affect your family’s comfort and the quality of your wood furniture and flooring. Humidifiers add moisture to the dry air in your home, which helps your body stay hydrated and comfortable. They can also help protect wood furniture and floors by maintaining the right levels of indoor humidity to prevent damage caused by dry indoor air. For information about Tempstar humidifiers, contact your local Tempstar installer.

* Programmable thermostats: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce your energy bill by cooling your home only when you need it. With a programmable thermostat, your cooling system can work at a more cost-efficient temperature while you’re away from home and lower the temperature to cool your home just before you return. To find a heating and cooling contractor near you, go to http://www.tempstar.com and click on the Dealer Locator button.

Evaluate your home today to find out if you can make some money-saving improvements that could be worth their cost in energy savings and improved comfort. Chances are, you can. – NU

Categories
Davitt Patios Wicklow

Log Cabin Kit Homes – How To Find Log Cabin Building Kits

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629

For the best Patios Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Log cabin kit homes – what are they? Log cabin building kits are logs that have been cut, milled, dried and shaped into ‘packages’ called log cabin kit homes. These cabin kits can be as simple as the logs and fasteners only, or the kits can include nearly all of the exterior components of the cabin. The other main kind of log cabin home would be a ‘handcrafted home’, one where the logs are shaped by hand using special tools.

The major advantages of log cabin building kits …


log cabin kit homes,log cabin building kits,log cabin kits,log home kits,log cabins,log homes,cabins

Article Body:
Log cabin kit homes – what are they? Log cabin building kits are logs that have been cut, milled, dried and shaped into ‘packages’ called log cabin kit homes. These cabin kits can be as simple as the logs and fasteners only, or the kits can include nearly all of the exterior components of the cabin. The other main kind of log cabin home would be a ‘handcrafted home’, one where the logs are shaped by hand using special tools.

The major advantages of log cabin building kits are generally lower costs, simplified estimating and construction methods and faster construction of the cabin home. Created in the controlled environment of the manufacturer, the logs will be more uniform in shape than handcrafted logs.

The logs can be trucked in and assembled on your building site relatively quickly by knowledgable builders. Log cabin kit homes can be purchased in nearly complete exterior systems that include the logs, fasteners, roof system, windows and doors, porches and more.

The logs are available in a variety of shapes – round, square, rectangular, beveled and ‘D-shaped’ logs are common examples. Milled logs will have the outer sapwood planed off before the logs are shaped. Most log cabin kit homes manufacturers cut the logs in such a way as to create a tongue or groove so each log will interlock with the log above and below it in the wall. This interlocking system will likely be enhanced by the use of other materials that will help keep air and water from penetrating the log wall.

How do you find log cabin building kits that may be right for you?

The fastest way is to go online and visit various log cabin kit homes manufacturers websites. You’ll want to be looking for the log cabin building kits that have an appearance you enjoy. See what you prefer – large diameter versus smaller diameter logs, color of the log wood, shapes of logs available and how the corner treatment looks to you.

As you find cabin kits you like, see how long the company has been in business. You’ll want to know they have been around a number of years which is one important factor to consider. Review the kit choices – what is included, what is not included. See if you can narrow your choices down to 3-4 companies that you may be most interested in.

At this point, you would be ready to visit the companies and talk with their staff. How do you find them – are they pleasant, courteous, really interested in answering your questions and even offer suggestions for your situation? Or are they high-pressure and inflexible? If they cannot provide something you want, are they truthful and up-front that they cannot do it that way?

You’ll want to pay attention to your intuition and gut feel. Maybe you’ll further narrow the list to, say, two manufacturers. Then you can contact 2-3 log cabin home builders with experience in building with these manufacturer’s logs and fastener systems. Obtain estimates for building your log cabin kit home on your property.

You can also learn a lot about log cabin kit homes by viewing cabin plans that have been successfully built somewhere. Every plan that you see can give you design ideas that you had not thought of. You can make a scrapbook of the things you may want in your log home design. Organize a project notebook where you’ll keep the builder estimates, schedules and so on.

Creating the log cabin building kit home design that will provide you much enjoyment can be a lot of effort. However, it’s your personal involvement, enthusiasm and persistence that will help ensure that your project becomes the log cabin building kit home that you’ll enjoy for many years to come.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Categories
Roofing And Guttering Kildare

ARK Steps On How To Make Perfect Curtain Rods

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582

For the best Roofing And Guttering Kildare company, call Ace Roofing Kildare.

While redecorating your home s interior is an expensive project, there are some simple ways for you to cut costs just by making some items yourself. For example, did you know that it is possible to make perfect curtain rods that look great and save you money? If you think that making curtain rods will be too difficult or time-consuming, you may want to think again. In this article, we ll give you all the necessary steps on how to make perfect curtain rods. You may be surprise…

To find the best Roofing And Guttering Kildare company, click here for Ace Roofing Kildare.
While redecorating your home s interior is an expensive project, there are some simple ways for you to cut costs just by making some items yourself. For example, did you know that it is possible to make perfect curtain rods that look great and save you money? If you think that making curtain rods will be too difficult or time-consuming, you may want to think again. In this article, we ll give you all the necessary steps on how to make perfect curtain rods. You may be surprised at just how simple this project can be.

The first step in making perfect curtain rods is to make perfect measurements. Use a standard tape measurer above your intended window to find out how long of a rod you will need. It is important to measure 2-3 inches beyond the actual width of the window. This will ensure that your curtain rod provides sufficient coverage.

The next step involves driving to your local home improvement store. These stores (such as Lowe s and Home Depot) have all the supplies you will need for making perfect curtain rods. Don t forget to bring your measurements and tape measurer along with you. This will prevent you buying ill-fitting materials.

So, what exactly are you going to need to make perfect curtain rods? The first item you need to purchase is the rod itself, and the best fit is usually a dowel (these are very inexpensive and can usually be found in the lumber section). This is where it is important to know the proper measurements of your window, so you can choose a dowel of proper length. Remember, it is always better to buy a dowel that is too big as opposed to one that is too small. A bigger dowel can always be cut down to size. Once you have selected a dowel as your curtain rod, you will also need two large hooks (to support your curtain rod), screws to apply the hooks, and two decorative attachments to put on each end of the rod (these are known as finials). Depending on the color of your interior, you may also need to buy a paint or finish to apply to the curtain rod after completion. Usually, browns and tans work well for curtain rods, but the decision is strictly yours. You now have all of the necessary items needed to make a perfect curtain rod.

Now that you are back at home, you can begin the simple task of putting up your curtain rod. The first thing you want to do is to screw both large hooks above the window according to your measurements. There should be atleast an inch of room on both sides for the curtain rod to comfortably rest. This will reduce the likelihood of the rod falling down. The next step is to sand down your dowel and apply your chosen finish to the rod. After a period of drying, you can then slide your curtain onto your new curtain rod (make sure the rings are big enough!). The last step is to attach the finials you have selected to complete your curtain rod s look. Hang on the hooks you previously attached, and there you have it! You have made a perfect curtain rod!

Wasn t that easy? By following these steps on how to make perfect curtain rods, you can create a cheap alternative to standard curtain rods while giving any room in your home a truly unique look.

Categories
Patios Dublin

L2L Keeping Roofs In Top Shape There are ways to protect roofs from algae stains and damage.

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230

For the best Patios Dublin company, call Leaf2Leaf Driveways Patios Dublin.

Don’t get caught streaking–on your roof, that is.


Keeping Roofs In Top Shape There are ways to protect roofs from algae stains and damage.

To find the best Patios Dublin company, click here for Leaf2Leaf Driveways Patios Dublin.
Don’t get caught streaking-on your roof, that is. Green and black algae can be a major headache for homeowners. Algae not only make a roof look bad, but will likely shorten its life as well.

Commonly called fungus, algae create unsightly dark brown, green or black streaking on shingles. Sometimes these streaks are mistaken for soot, dirt, moss or tree droppings. While regions with sustained humidity and moisture tend to be most at risk, people who live in all parts of the nation with roofs made from all sorts of materials are susceptible to moss and algae accumulation. In fact, all algae need to survive and thrive are air, water and a food source.

Methods of cleaning can cause unneeded wear and tear to your shingles. Fortunately, some of the latest shingles come in an algae-resistant version, alleviating unsightly streak and maintenance hassles. For example, many of CertainTeed’s asphalt shingles are available with the algae-resistant Streak-Fighter™ feature. The company indicates that a specific raw material protects its Streak-Fighter shingles from the streaking and discoloration of airborne algae. Look for it on the company’s wood-shake and slate-style shingles.

According to Marcia Hannah of CertainTeed, streaks can be a thing of the past. “The addition of roofing granules containing copper helps to alleviate the problem of unsightly streaks. This is good news for home maintenance and good news for real estate values.”

Categories
DPC

DPC I’m Killing My Back Taking My Hot Tub Cover Off!

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631

For the best Construction Cork company, call DPC Construction Cork.

A hot tub cover is heavy and bulky. Just ask anyone who has tried to remove one by themselves. Even if you are physically strong a stiff breeze can catch the large flat surface and the hot tub cover can easily get away from you. Removing a normal hot tub cover is best handled by two people.


hot tub cover, hot tub covers, cover lift, spa, spa cover, spa covers

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A hot tub cover is heavy and bulky. Just ask anyone who has tried to remove one by themselves. Even if you are physically strong a stiff breeze can catch the large flat surface and the hot tub cover can easily get away from you. Removing a normal hot tub cover is best handled by two people. If you use your tub alone or are not physically strong enough to wrestle it off your spa, you need to consider a Hot Tub Cover Lift.

A cover lift is a mechanical device that attaches to the spa cabinet body or deck and is designed to help you remove your hot tub cover. There can be different methods of operation but they all allow one person to easily and safely remove the cover from their spa.

Cover lifts are known by various other names, and you will see them referred to as lifters, caddies, slides and removers. There are three basic types.

The simplest is a “slide”, which is a platform made of two metal or wooden rails. You flip back your cover and slide it straight back onto the arms. Simple and quick, with nothing to wear out – except for maybe that expensive new hot tub cover you’ve just bought. The friction of sliding the spa cover back and forth might eventually damage the vinyl covering so this is something you have to watch carefully.

Another variety stores the folded hot tub cover in a vertical position so that it blocks the view on one side. This is useful if your neighbor’s are getting too interested in your hot tub activities, but is a disadvantage in that it can limit your view as well. This type of lift sometimes relies on a hydraulic arm or springs, which are parts which might break or deteriorate over time. Make sure that the cover can be locked in the up position so there is no danger it can fall back down, injuring someone.

A third type of lift helps you to remove the hot tub cover and holds the folded cover behind the spa. It sometimes takes a little more effort to operate this kind, and you do need to have about a foot of clearance behind the spa for the cover. But the lower profile eliminates the issue of an obstructed view.

One item to research carefully is whether the lift you are considering places stress on center hinge of your hot tub cover. This hinge is normally not designed to carry the full weight of the cover in a hanging position, and some type of lifts can place a real strain on it. Just so there are no surprises it would be smart to ask this question before making your purchase. There are some after market kits that can prevent this problem, but that is at an extra cost. Some lifts are designed to transfer to weight to the outer edge of the tub and eliminate the stress to the hinge.

Lifts are engineered to fit many different spa sizes and most hot tub cover lifts can be installed by the homeowner using tools you would normally have around the house.

Cover lifts can also serve one other function, and that’s of storage while you are using your hot tub. When you remove the top you have to put it somewhere. If you don’t have a deck, that frequently means putting it on the ground. Even if you do have a deck, you might not want a huge hot tub cover blocking the way.

After spending thousands of dollars on a hot tub, cover, chemicals, and operation costs, spending a few hundred dollars more for a cover lift will make your hot tub experience and the strain on your back much less stressful.

Categories
Roofers Wicklow

ARW Dangers Of Outdoor Fireplaces

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380

For the best Roofers Wicklow company, call Ace Roofing Wicklow.

The idea of having a fireplace in the backyard has become quite popular over the years. Like an indoor fireplace, it includes a chimney and is surrounded by brick or stones. Outdoor fireplaces are usually built into or against a wall, and though this is the most expensive method, the price will depend on your choice of design: a ready built unit or decide to have one custom built. No matter which way you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere between just a few thousand dolla…


fireplaces,outdoor fireplaces,fire pit,fireplaces accessories

To find the best Roofers Wicklow company, click here for Ace Roofing Wicklow.
The idea of having a fireplace in the backyard has become quite popular over the years. Like an indoor fireplace, it includes a chimney and is surrounded by brick or stones. Outdoor fireplaces are usually built into or against a wall, and though this is the most expensive method, the price will depend on your choice of design: a ready built unit or decide to have one custom built. No matter which way you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere between just a few thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars and up for an outdoor fireplace.

An element of danger exists with all types of fireplaces, but the potential danger is even greater with portable fire pits, possibly because they are not as permanent as an indoor fireplace. Because a fireplace exists within a structure, it must adhere to existing building codes, but a portable pits relies on the homeowner to make sure that it is used in the safest way possible. The importance of safety when using outdoor fireplaces can never be stressed too much as is ARWparent in an article that ARWpeared online about a family who sustained $50-$60,000 in damages as the result of a fire pit that was being used on a wooden deck. The patio stones that had been placed underneath the fire pit were unable to prevent the transfer of heat to the deck boards, and the structure caught on fire.

In order to assure safe operation and reduce the dangers of outdoor fireplaces, it is recommended that they be kept away from anything that is combustible and not placed any closer than ten feet from the house or other combustibles. Additionally, before retiring for the night, the homeowners should ascertain that the fire is completely out.

An outdoor fireplace can be a nice addition to your home, but you have to be willing to take the extra precautions that are necessary. Unlike a barbeque grill, gas or charcoal, that sets several feet from the ground, an outdoor fireplace is low to the ground. As such, it cannot be used near the house or on any kind of combustible surface. As long as you re willing to take the extra precautions, it s something you can certainly enjoy with a great deal of pleasure.

Categories
Patios Cork

CC Is your fireplace keeping you warm and cosy? – Tips for better heat.

Word Count:
532

For the best Patios Cork company, call Civil Construction Cork.

With the growing trend in restoring to use those fireplaces that have been bricked or boarded up, it is important that these restored fireplaces and chimneys are working efficiently. For wood or coal burning fires to burn well, a good supply of air is required along with a chimney to expel the hot exhaust gases and smoke. Also the fuel should be held in a grate clear of the hearth floor allowing full circulation of the air and waste ash to fall through, so as not to stifle the fire. If the chimney or flue is inadequate or the flow of air insufficient, the fire will not function effectively.


fireplace, stove, fire, wood, burning

To find the best Patios Cork company, click here for Civil Construction Cork.
With the growing trend in restoring to use those fireplaces that have been bricked or boarded up, it is important that these restored fireplaces and chimneys are working efficiently. For wood or coal burning fires to burn well, a good supply of air is required along with a chimney to expel the hot exhaust gases and smoke. Also the fuel should be held in a grate clear of the hearth floor allowing full circulation of the air and waste ash to fall through, so as not to stifle the fire. If the chimney or flue is inadequate or the flow of air insufficient, the fire will not function effectively.

In his thesis on the principles of fireplace design published in1799, Count Rumford emphasized the importance of the size of the flue compared with the size of the fireplace opening. He recommended that the cross-sectional area of the flue should be about a tenth of the size of the opening. However, fireplaces tended to be smaller after the mid nineteenth century. Modern flue liner manufacturers favor a ratio of one to seven, and there are sizing charts published that give details of current standards.

If your fire smokes or won t burn properly, see if opening a window improves matters. If it does, you need better ventilation in the room. One solution is to install a window vent, although this may cause a troublesome cross draft. A much more efficient form of ventilation is either a single ducted vent set into the floor in front of the fireplace, or twin ducted vents set into the floor or external walls on each side of the chimney breast.

When wood and coal are burned, flammable gases, tarry substances, acids and dust are given off. However, because domestic stoves are relatively inefficient not all of these substances are consumed. Instead, they rise up the chimney and some of them condense on the inside of the flue. Unburned carbon combines with these tars and acids creating soot; which builds up over a period of time thus reducing the size of the flue. It is important to have regularly used chimneys swept at least twice a year, ideally before, during and at the end of the heating season and the local trade directories contain details of fully qualified and suitably insured sweeps. A soot laden flue is a fire hazard, since the unburned elements of the soot can ignite, causing a chimney fire which can reach high temperatures and damage the chimney.

If a flue is too large, its size can be reduced to improve its efficiency by the fitting of a liner. A variety of methods and materials are used, including flue liners made of flexible stainless steel, ceramic, lightweight concrete sections, or concrete cast in situ. Other ways of reducing the fireplace opening in order to improve fire efficiency is to raise the level of the hearth or to fit a baffle across the top of the opening. If raising the hearth level or adding a baffle are not practical or unsightly then it may be worth asking a fireplace specialist whether fitting a metal smoke hood or canopy in the opening is the best solution.

Categories
Maths Tutor Ireland

New_Graduation_Requirements_For_The_Class_Of_2008

Title:
New Graduation Requirements For The C
lass Of 2008

Word Count:
508

Summary:
This year, the state’s new graduation requirements become “real” as students in Seattle schools in the class of 2008 receive the results of their first attempt at the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (For the best Maths Tutor In Ireland company, call Ace Solution Books. WASL). Passing the 10th-grade WASL will be the avenue most students take to earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement, one of the four new statewide graduation requirements. (Students in special education programs may participate in alternate assessments a…

Keywords:
seattle schools, schools, seattle

Article Body:
This year, the state’s new graduation requirements become “real” as students in Seattle schools in the class of 2008 receive the results of their first attempt at the 10th-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Passing the 10th-grade WASL will be the avenue most students take to earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement, one of the four new statewide graduation requirements. (Students in special education programs may participate in alternate assessments and earn a Certificate of Individual Achievement.)

The Seattle school district believes every student can learn and demonstrate the skills and knowledge tested on the WASL. While many students will be successful on all three sections of the test on their first try, some students will not meet standard in one or more sections. There is help available for all students in Seattle schools to receive the skills needed not only to pass the WASL but also further their learning in and after high school.

All Seattle high schools have developed plans to assist students in meeting WASL standards. These include adding a 7th period, tutoring in math and literacy and in class tutors. The Seattle school district has also committed to providing each high school with a building-based manager and additional instructional coaching services. Students at Seattle schools may also take advantage of school year credit retrieval programs, Evening School, Contract Learning, and the Digital Learning Commons. Parents can contact their local Seattle school for more information about these programs.

All students in the classes of 2006, 2007 and 2008 in Seattle schools who took the 10th-grade WASL will receive an Individual Score Report with a final and accurate score for every WASL subject they took. These reports will be generated by Pearson Educational Measurement, the testing company, and sent to Seattle school districts for distribution. (Students in the class of 2009 — this year’s ninth-graders — who took the 10th-grade WASL will get their results in late August/early September.)

Each score report will show a Seattle school student’s performance on the reading, writing and math WASLs. Science results will be included in a second score report scheduled for late August/early September.

Some Seattle school students, however, won’t receive any score report in June. Students in special education programs who used the two Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS) options, the developmentally appropriate WASL (DAW) or the portfolio assessment, to measure their progress will not have their work scored until the summer. Results will be available for these Seattle school students by late August/early September.

Because of the high interest in student results, OSPI will work hard after receiving the initial score report from the testing company to provide as much accurate information to the public as quickly as possible. By late summer, OSPI will share a comprehensive look at all 10th-grade WASL data after the science WASL and the WAAS DAW and Portfolio have been scored and after districts have had the opportunity to verify student data files. All of these efforts will help Seattle schools determine the strengths and weaknesses of areas students in the various core subject areas.