Washington College Access Network Landscape of Education Reform in Washington State March 28, 2011

Partnership for Learning Who We Are Believe every student deserves a quality education that prepares them for college and work. Advocate for education reforms that will improve student success in the following areas: Standards Graduation Requirements Teaching and Leading Data Systems Accountability Innovation STEM What We Do Communicator Distribute research-based policy briefs. Coalition Builder Collaborate with state policymakers, business leaders and community groups. Convener Inform and mobilize leaders and communities.

Washington State Education Reform Agenda What’s Happened So Far? Where Are We Now? What’s Next? Call To Action Washington State Education Reform

Education Landscape: Where Are We Coming From? What’s Happened so Far?

Education Reform Timeline: 1993-2012 Limited Success in Education Reform Over the Last 19 years Education Reform Bill (1993) Washington State Legislature passes the Education Reform Act (HB 1209). Bill calls for the creation of common learning goals, an assessment system to measure student progress in meeting standards, and an accountability system. Academic Standards (1993-1996) Academic state standards developed in reading, writing, math, social studies, science, arts and health and fitness. Graduation Requirements (1996-2010) WASL administered to tests students proficiency in reading, writing and math (1996). Legislature approves new graduation requirements: students must pass WASL starting with Class of 2008. WASL replaced with MSP Exam (2010-current). Graduation requirement of WASL/MSP delayed from Class of 2008 to Class of 2013. Legislative Actions (2007-2012) Phase in all-day Kindergarten (2007). State Board of Education proposes new, 24-credit graduation requirements (2010). Bill passes to allow state to intervene in low-performing schools, teacher/principal evaluation and allow alternative routes to teacher preparation programs (2010). Race to the Top. Washington ranked 32nd out of 36 states, receives no funding. Bill passes to implement evaluation system statewide, use student growth and determine performance decisions. Excellent Schools Now (2010-2012) Coalition of 35+ organizations Legislative goals/agenda A+ Washington 5-year strategic plan for P-20 for education. Statewide outreach.

Education Landscape Updates: Where Are We? Where Are We Now?

State Budget 2012 Legislative Session Landscape Economic Issues Continue to Dominate Every Discussion and Decision K-12 Education Higher Education Early Learning

Policy Updates: Early Learning Phase-In Washington Kindergarten Inventory The governor signed into law a bill that will phase-in WA KIDS beginning in the 2012-13 SY. Helps ensure that children get a great start in kindergarten; Gives teachers information about the development of children in their classroom; Aligns practices of early learning professionals and kindergarten.

Policy Updates: K-12 Education Educator Evaluation System The governor and four legislative caucuses agreed to an educator evaluation bill (SB 5895), putting in place a statewide evaluation system that includes: More comprehensive, thorough and consistent evaluations; Ties educator evaluation outcomes to human resource decisions (starting in 2015-16 SY); Professional development; Measure of student growth data Student input. Public Charter Schools & Transformation Zones Sen. Litzow and Tom and Reps. Pettigrew and Anderson to develop legislation to authorize public charter schools and establish a statewide Transformation Zones. Bill stalled in regular session, now part of budget negotiations

Policy Updates: Higher Education Support for Washington’s Higher Education System State support for Higher Education will be one of the issues to be determined in special session budget negotiations.  Legislation adopted to help institutions get the most out of their budgets: Providing flexibility in contracting and other operations. Placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to give UW and WSU more flexibility in investing their surplus operating funds, allowing them to generate additional returns beyond the current limitation of government-backed securities.

Education Landscape Updates: Where Are Heading? What’s Next?

Excellent Schools Now Excellent Schools Now is a coalition of education, business and community-based organizations. Every student deserves and education that prepares them for work, college and life. A+ Washington: A Way Forward For All Students 5-year strategy for P-20 education, with four big ideas. A+ Washington Flexibility Great Educators Data and Tools Better Options

Education Landscape Updates: What Can You Do? Call to Action

Call to Action Engaging in Washington’s Education Reform Support A+ Washington! Become an Excellent Schools Now Coalition member. Engage with your local school, school district and school board. Learn more from education reform organizations in Washington state. www.apluswa.org www.partnership4learning.org www.excellentschoolsnow.org

Questions? Anne Luce Policy Manager, Partnership for Learning anne@partnership4learning.org 206-625-9655