Washington College Access Network Landscape of Education Reform in Washington State March 23, 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.

League of Education Voters Who We Are Work to create an educational system in which every student has an equal and adequate opportunity to succeed in college, work, and in life. Citizen-founded and citizen-funded. Advocate for education reforms: Making kindergarten the next step, not the first step. Preparing kids so they have the opportunity to go to college. Adequately funding our schools even in a recession. Accountability to know that the system is working. This includes having a data system and proper evaluation of students, teachers and administrators. Providing teachers with the support and resources they need to make their students succeed – and the coaching and mentors they need to be more effective. What We Do Grassroots Organizing Policy Research and Analysis Political Engagement Communication

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? Reflect on past education reform actions

Education Reform Timeline: 1993-2010 Limited Success in Education Reform Over the Last 17 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 (2007-2010) Bill passes to phase in all-day Kindergarten (2007). Bill passes that redefines basic education (2009). Bill passes to allow state to intervene in low-performing schools, teacher/principal evaluation and allow alternative routes to teacher preparation programs (2010). State Board of Education proposes new, 24-credit graduation requirements (2010). Federal Education Funding (2010) Unprecedented federal funding. Race to the Top: $3.4B distributed to 11 states and the District of Columbia in Race to the Top Washington ranked 32nd out of 36 states with score of 290 out of 500 points.

Our Role in Education Reform Working to Improve Education Since 1993 1994 In light of the landmark education reform bill passed in 2003, Partnership for Learning is created. Serve as the business-communities voice in education. Partnership for Learning is focused on ensuring all students graduate from high school ready for college and work. Emphasize the needs for standards, assessments and accountability in Washington’s education system. 1994-2007 Advocate for aligned high school graduation requirements and college entry requirements. Collaborate with state agencies to develop plan for implementation of math, science and reading graduation assessments. Strong presence in Washington’s legislature. 2008 Initiate initiative to improve science, technology, engineering and math achievement and increase postsecondary graduates in the fields. Engage with State Board of Education on development of new graduation requirements. 2009 Engage with The New Teacher Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the achievement gap, on a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) study to identify how to increase STEM proficiency in Washington state. 2010 Highly engaged in developing and strengthening Washington’s Race to the Top application: Work with state leaders to write Race to the Top application. Advocate for Race to the Top legislation, SB 6696.

Education Landscape Updates: Where Are We? Discuss education policies and reforms happening in the 2011 legislative session

State Budget $5.1 billion deficit 2011 Legislative Session Landscape Economic Issues Continue to Dominate Every Discussion and Decision K-12 Education Higher Education Early Learning

2011 Legislative Session: K-12 Education Protecting Progress and Driving Innovative Policies, Even in Difficult Times Math and Science Graduation Requirements: Holding the line on reform Several bills were considered this year that would impact current math and science graduation requirements. A compromise on math assessments was reached in the House. The bill requires students in the graduating classes of 2013 and 2014 to pass only one end-of-course assessment, moving to two end-of-course assessments for the class of 2015. Efforts to delay to the science assessment graduation requirements did not pass out of committee, but are likely to resurface later in session. Reductions-in-Force and Mutual Consent Hiring: Hiring and retaining the very best Legislation was introduced that would allow for mutual consent hiring between a teacher and principal and would require that in reductions-in-force, performance evaluations will determine which teachers are laid off, not seniority. Principal Pathways: Expanding the pool of outstanding leaders for our schools Legislation would enable individuals with professional leadership experience outside the education sector to receive principal certification. Candidates must meet same certification requirements; optional for districts. Anne:

Policy Updates: K-12 Education Protecting Progress and Driving Innovative Policies, Even in Difficult Times Education Governance: Three approaches to creating a more streamlined system Governor’s Proposal: Establishes a single, cabinet-level P-20 Department of Education, led by Secretary of Education. Consolidates several agencies and education boards. Senate’s Proposal: Establishes a single, cabinet-level P-12 Department of Education, led by Secretary of Education. Consolidates several agencies and education boards. House’s Proposal: Establishes a 23-member education council to offer recommendations about the best form of governance for Washington. The House passed the bill and it will now be heard in the Senate. Innovative School Zones: Allowing schools and districts increased flexibility Legislation supporting the creation of innovation schools and innovation zones in school districts gained momentum this legislative session. The legislation authorizes innovative schools and districts to waive some state programs and laws.

Policy Updates: Higher Education Protecting Progress and Driving Innovative Policies, Even in Difficult Times Tuition-Setting Authority: Allow universities to set tuition levels as to counter the state funding depreciation. Two pieces of legislation address tuition-setting authority: Higher Education Task Force: Initiates tuition-setting authority in 2011, establishes financial aid endowment as non-profit, adds STEM degree production to performance metrics. Rep. Carlyle: grants tuition-setting authority to baccalaureates for four years only, does not create endowment fund for financial aid Discussions occurring about combining the two into a single bill. Higher Education funding bills are deemed necessary to implement budget and will remain alive throughout session. Financial Aid: Keep college affordable for low- and middle-income students. Maintain funding financial aid programs: State Need Grants: Enables students from low- and moderate-income families to pursue college and work training by providing assistance with tuition costs. Work Study Program: Provides part-time work opportunities for low- and moderate-income students pursuing post-secondary education.

Education Landscape Updates: What’s Next? Build political will for key reforms and proven policy solutions for the future

Excellent Schools Now Excellent Schools Now is a coalition of education, business and community-based organizations in Washington state working to achieve meaningful education reforms that increase student achievement, close the achievement gap and prepare students to be college and career ready. Steering Committee: Partnership for Learning, League of Education Voters, Stand for Children and the Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs. ESN has now grown to more than 30 organizations statewide Learn more at www.excellentschoolsnow.com

Washington STEM Washington STEM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing innovation, equity, and excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM education). Washington STEM mobilizes education, business and civic leaders to fulfill our shared responsibility to accelerate improvements in STEM instruction throughout the state. Washington STEM officially launched March 7-10, 2011. $2.4M in inaugural investments announced around the state. Portfolio Investment Awards made to Bellevue School District, Teach for America, Technology Access Foundation and Washington MESA Entrepreneurial Investment Awards made to several school districts across the state Intent of the awards is to accelerate discovery and scaling of effective practices, and prepare and inspire underserved students in STEM to ensure they have great opportunities for the future Learn more at www.washingtonstem.org

The People’s Education Reform Plan Building Public Demand and Political Will for Key Reforms Bold Plan: Coalesced groups around a shared vision. Unsatisfied with state reform efforts and Washington’s performance in Race to the Top, Excellent Schools Now (ESN) Coalition developed an education reform plan that will: Rapidly close growing achievement gaps in Washington; Implement successful research and efforts working in other states. ESN completed an initial draft of the plan in early January. What’s Next: Deepen, diversify and mobilize support. Engage stakeholders and gather feedback through a statewide listening tour, beginning in late Spring. Launch plan and vision for education reform statewide at the end of 2011.

Call to Action 2011 Legislature needs to hear from you! Engaging in Washington’s Education Reform 2011 Legislature needs to hear from you! Contact with your local Representatives and Senator to voice your concerns. www.leg.wa.gov Become an Excellent Schools Now Coalition member. Coalition of education, business and community-based organizations in Washington state working to achieve meaningful education reforms that increase student achievement, close the achievement gap and prepare students to be college and career ready. Steering Committee: Partnership for Learning, League of Education Voters, Stand for Children and the Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs. ESN has now grown to more than 30 organizations statewide. Engage with your local school and school district. Learn more from education reform organizations in Washington state. www.partnership4learning.org www.educationvoters.org www.stand.org

Questions? Anne Luce Policy Manager, Partnership for Learning anne@partnership4learning.org 206-625-9655 Heather Cope Senior Policy Analyst, League of Education Voters heather@educationvoters.org 206-728-6448