Sine Die 2009

Education

Students today are growing up in a world totally different from the one we grew up in. Today our children are surrounded by science and technology that was the stuff of science fiction only 20 or 30 years ago.

Our schools need to keep pace with our changing world so that our children are ready and able to compete in the global economy. As we navigate tough economic times and a national recession, we can’t allow that to harm the education of an entire generation of students.

In 2009, the Legislature continued work to rebuild our basic education system so that every child has the opportunity to have individualized learning to realize their potential. We must support our teachers and involve parents so that our school system has the potential to unlock the genius in every child.

Despite the fact that the state budget has fallen deeply into the red during this recession, the Senate has written a budget to insulate our public schools from the worst of the financial pain. Washington’s 295 school districts will face equal reductions of no more than 2.6 percent. Even though it is not a long-term solution, federal stimulus funds have temporarily helped us to save our public schools from potentially disastrous cuts this session. House Bill 2261, which the Legislature passed this session, redefines Basic Education and lays out a long-term strategy for reform. The new definition is to be fully implemented by 2018. The legislation includes programs for highly capable (gifted) students, increased instructional hours and the ability to graduate with 24 credits from high school in the new definition of basic education while also creating a new funding structure. We also moved to expand Early Learning. This legislation was not without controversy.

But it is thoughtful and steady progress for an education system of more than one million students and 55,000 teachers. This process is far from over, and now is the time to reengage in constructive dialogue with teachers, parents and advocates for education.

We also continued work begun in the 2008 session to create a more studentfocused educational system and provide targeted assistance to students who face unique barriers to educational success. Senate Bill 5973 continues the work of five task forces charged with researching and creating a comprehensive strategy for closing the achievement gap. Senate Bill 5248 enacts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

We also reasserted the state’s commitment to local control this session with Senate Bill 5889. For years, school districts have noted that the current statutes impose a number of unfunded mandates on schools and have asked for flexibility to determine what serves the learning needs of their unique community best. We repealed numerous laws relating to information, notice and reporting requirements imposed on districts as well as curriculum mandates.

Senate Bill 5414 continues the legislature’s ongoing work to develop an assessment system that serves the needs of teachers, student and parents. The legislation also directs OSPI to revisit and redesign parts of the assessment system and alternative assessments to reflect the Legislature’s intent and makes recommendations for how to improve the assessment system accordingly.

 

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