The Public Opinion Climate in Washington for Education Reform November 2009 Prepared for: Stand for Children

2 Public Opinion In Washington General Local public K-12 schools Education reform – specific proposals Accountability Advocacy considerations Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 1) Introduction

3 Public Opinion In Washington Negativity toward government and politicians Awareness and knowledge levels declining No consensus Information sources more varied Increased sense of hopefulness and spirit of community Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 2) Public Opinion In Washington Generally

4 Washingtonians’ Most Important Issues “Economy” is #1 #2: BOTH “Cost of Health Care” and “Education” “Transportation system” improvements Development of “alternative sources of energy” Others Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 2) Public Opinion In Washington Generally

5 Washingtonians’ Attitudes About Their Local K-12 Public School General mood Biggest obstacles Most important goals Best indicators Best spokespersons Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 3) Public Opinion In Washington About Education

6 Education Reform Proposals From Stand for Children Survey March 2009, n=600 registered voters Raising high school graduation requirements Kindergarten and pre-school Teacher pay Mentoring Education funding Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 4) Education Reform Proposals

7 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 5) Raising High School Graduation Requirements Do you support or oppose raising high school graduation standards so students graduate ready for college or a career?

8 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 5) Raising High School Graduation Requirements Do you oppose or favor adopting graduation requirements that prepare all students for life after high school, whether that is a university, college, career/technical school, or work. This would include at least 4 credits of English, 3 credits of math through Algebra II, and 3 credits of social studies?

9 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 6) Kindergarten and pre-School Do you favor or oppose providing voluntary full day kindergarten?

10 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 6) Kindergarten and pre-School Do you favor or oppose providing a pre-school program for 3 and 4 year olds living in poverty?

11 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 7) Teacher Pay Changes, Variation, Evaluation Currently teacher pay is based on seniority and additional money available for having a masters degree. It has been suggested that the method of paying teachers should be changed to one where teachers are paid for becoming leaders and mentors and basing annual raises on their performance, student academic growth, and classroom observations by a third party. How supportive would you be of that change?

12 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 7) Teacher Pay Changes, Variation, Evaluation Do you oppose or agree with the following statements about teaching in Washington?

13 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 7) Teacher Pay Changes, Variation, Evaluation Do you oppose or agree with the following statements about teaching in Washington?

14 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 8) Mentoring Do you support or oppose providing high quality mentoring for first and second year teachers and principals?

15 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 8) Mentoring Do you agree or disagree that new teachers should be provided with two years of mentoring and support?

16 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 9) Education Funding Some people feel because the 2009 Washington Legislature has significantly less revenue to fund state services that K-12 education spending should be a higher priority than spending on corrections, health care and social services. Do you agree or disagree?

17 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 9) Education Funding Let me read two statements about K-12 public schools in Washington. Please tell me which one statement comes closer to your point of view? Statement A: We should increase the amount of funding for schools before adding any new requirements or expectations for improvements on teachers and schools. Statement B: Any increases in public school funding should be accompanied by increased expectations and accountability so that we can measure improvements in the system.

18 Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 9) Education Funding Do you oppose or agree with the following statements about teaching in Washington?

19 Semantics & Imagery “Accountability” means different things depending on who you talk to Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 10) Accountability

20 Semantics & Imagery The equation: Administrative costs Student achievement Teacher quality Teacher benefits Curriculum + Parent commitment/involvement “ACCOUNTABILITY” Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 10) Accountability

21 Advocacy Considerations Watch the “why” for more money Educate about urgency Communicate good money management Improve and communicate parent involvement infrastructure Don’t forget “the basics” and “civility” Watch your spokes person Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, Inc. 11) Advocacy Considerations